law. Most leases allow you to sublet if you get your landlord’s approval. If your lease does not mention anything, then you do not need your landlord’s permission.

Subletting is a great solution to life’s unexpected events. If you need to leave town for a few months, someone else can live in your space and pay the rent. Sounds great, right?

As long as you follow some basic guidelines, subletting can be straightforward. But if you miss a key step, you put yourself at risk.

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Is subletting legal in Ann Arbor?

Yes, it is legal to sublet an apartment in Ann Arbor. However, some restrictions apply. While the state law does not prohibit subletting outright, your lease may require you to follow certain guidelines.

Check your lease carefully before considering a sublet. If the lease says anything about needing landlord permission, then you must get written approval before seeking a subtenant.

However, if your lease is silent on the subject of subletting, you are allowed to sublease without consulting your landlord.

Can my landlord reject my sublet tenant?

Yes, technically your landlord is allowed to reject a subletter. They can do this only if they can show that their business will be at risk. In other words, they can reject subletters that are not financially reliable.

As long as you find a subletter with the same qualifications as you, the landlord should have no reason to reject your request.

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How to sublet an apartment in Ann Arbor

Subletting is straightforward, but it can be stressful if you’ve never done it before. Here are the steps you need to follow—in order—if you want to sublet an apartment in Ann Arbor.

Get the okay from your landlord

If your lease does not mention anything about subletting, you can skip this step! But if your lease mentions that you need your landlord’s permission before subletting, start here.

Reach out to your landlord at least two weeks before your planned departure. Four weeks is better. Explain why you need to sublet and ask if the landlord has any special requirements or restrictions.

Keep your tone confident and direct. Remember, you and your landlord share the same goal: locating a responsible tenant to pay the rent while you’re away.

Find a subtenant

If you don’t already have a friend in mind, then head online to look for a subtenant. Post to websites like:

Craigslist

Anyplace.com

Sublet.com

Facebook Marketplace

Listservs you’re a member of

Your post should include information like the length of the sublease, the neighborhood, and a description of the space. If your landlord has any specific restrictions, include these in the post.

Remember, a good subtenant has a consistent income and good credit score—at least the same as yours.

Screen applicants’ background and income

With a steady influx of university students, you’re bound to get a lot of applicants for your sublet. However, you need to be careful when screening candidates.

Ask applicants for proof of income such as pay stubs or bank statements. Reject outright anyone with a lower income and credit score than you. Your landlord will reject them anyway.

You don’t always need to run a background check on a subtenant. Social media and Internet searches can provide a lot of information about someone’s background. However, third-party services are easy to use and provide peace of mind. Remember, you’re still liable for the space while they’re living there!

Create a sublease agreement and request approval in writing

Once you have selected a subtenant, it’s time to create an agreement for the sublease. This legal agreement should specify:

The start and end dates of the sublet

The amount of rent they owe you each month

And procedures for both payment and nonpayment

Both you and the subtenant should sign the agreement.

Put together a package with the signed sublease, the applicant’s documentation, and a written request. Send it all to your landlord with plenty of time for them to review the request. Be sure to include your reason for subletting and the concluding date of the sublease.

Continue paying rent

Huzzah! You’ve successfully sublet your apartment in Ann Arbor. Keep in mind, though, that you are still responsible for paying rent.

Most tenants choose to receive a monthly check from their subtenant so you remain in control of the monthly rent payment. You may be charging them less than the full rental amount. Remember that if anything goes wrong or your subletter can’t pay the whole amount, you’re still on the hook.

Key Takeaway Document everything while interviewing a subletter, including the written agreement. This gives you valuable protection against any unexpected developments

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How to save on renters insurance in Ann Arbor

Saving money is easier than you think—but there’s no need to sacrifice coverage to keep your bank account in the green.

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