How to Sublet

Here are step-by-step instructions to sublet your apartment:

1. Decide on a monthly price, length of lease, and the type of subtenant you are looking for

• For price, try to recoup as much of the full monthly price as possible, but you may have to price it lower given the competitive market for sublets
• For length of lease, ensure that you reasonably lay out clear start and end dates – and that your pricing lines up (e.g., prorated payments for <1 month)
• For the type of subtenant, make sure it is clear in your adverts who you are looking for (e.g., an undergraduate Cornell student)

2. Post about your apartment on our website, on Facebook groups, and on social media

• Fill out our Sublet Form so that your information will be shared on our Sublet Webpage
• Join and post on Facebook groups such as "Cornell University Housing, Sublets, & Rentals"
• Post on your social media (e.g., Instagram stories) to share that you have an available sublet

3. Interview potential subtenants (with your roommates) to ensure that they would be a good fit

• Schedule time with people who reach out and talk to them via Zoom or FaceTime
• Include your roommates (if applicable) in these conversations so that they can weigh in
• Ensure that you feel comfortable with the subtenant prior to moving forward

4. Discuss with your roommate(s) and parent(s) to ensure that all stakeholders approve

• Ensure that whoever cosigned your lease with Elite College Rentals is aware of the subletter and approves
• Understand that you are still liable for the monthly payments (i.e., the subtenant pays you, you pay Elite College Rentals)
• Check that all stakeholders [e.g., roommate(s), parent(s), etc.] are onboard with the subtenant to ensure a smooth process

5. Create a subtenant agreement, then have them sign and send you a security deposit (if applicable)

• Outline what you want the subtenant to be responsible for (e.g., amount of rent, amount of trash fees, cleaning, etc.)
• Include all responsibilities in your subtenant agreement and ensure that you have a valid contract with all other parties
• Facilitate the handover of keys / information so that your subtenant can easily move in on the date that their sublease commences

Should you have any questions or need support with this progress, feel free to contact sis35@cornell.edu for help.

Disclaimer: Elite College Rentals offers this webpage as a courtesy to tenants. Elite College Rentals is not liable for the success of your process to  find a subtenant, your sublet agreement, or any issues that may arise from your subtenant (e.g., lack of payment, destruction of property, loss of property, etc.). Should you have any questions, please reach out to Elite College Rentals for more clarity.