Life doesn’t always stick to a schedule. Maybe you’ve landed a dream job in another city, decided to study abroad, or simply feel the pull of a new beginning somewhere fresh. Whatever your reason, the reality is that sometimes you need to move before your lease ends. And while the idea of continuing to pay rent on a place you no longer live in is frustrating, the good news is that you have options.
One of the most practical early move-out options? Subleasing. This subleasing tips guide will walk you through how to advertise a sublease and everything that comes with it—from understanding your legal responsibilities to making your space irresistible to the next renter.
A sublease allows the current tenant (you) to find a subletter to rent out your unit to for the remainder—or a portion—of your lease term. Unlike a full lease transfer, you remain ultimately responsible for the apartment and rent payments unless the landlord agrees to a tenant replacement.
Letting someone take over your lease offers a practical, budget-friendly alternative to paying double rent or breaking the lease entirely. Here’s why it makes sense:
Whether you’re moving for a career, education, or personal change, learning how to sublet your space gives you breathing room while helping someone else who needs a place to live.
There’s more to successfully advertising a sublease than just blasting it on the internet. The steps you take before placing an ad or tapping your network will make a far more significant difference than the ad itself.
Before listing your apartment, dig into your lease. Some leases forbid subleasing, while others may require landlord approval or offer early move-out options. Even if your lease is restrictive, many landlords are open to subleases when presented with a reliable new tenant, especially if it saves them the hassle of finding someone themselves.
What to Do:
If you’re unsure, consulting a local tenant advocacy group or a lawyer specializing in sublease agreements can provide peace of mind.
To find the right subletter, you need to know exactly what you’re offering. Start by clarifying the duration and condition of the sublease.
Consider:
Having your terms outlined up front not only makes your listing clearer but also sets realistic expectations for everyone involved.
Before you write your listing, explore other available subleases in your area. This is more than just seeing what rent costs—it’s about understanding what makes a listing appealing.
Research Tips:
Knowing what’s out there helps you price your place appropriately and position it to attract the right renters.
Once you investigate the competition, it’s time to unleash your secret weapon — the list of the best things about living at your place. Recall what attracted you to it initially and the benefits you discovered once you moved in. Is the building quiet? Are the neighbors friendly? How many minutes’ walk is it to the weekend farmers’ market down the street? Which coffee shop stays open latest or has the best WiFi?
Frame your listing like you’re recommending it to a friend—honest, warm, and specific. These personal touches can make your ad stand out in a sea of generic listings.
Deciding what to leave behind can impact both your listing and your move. Some subletters prefer a fully furnished unit, especially if they’re students or temporary workers.
Take careful inventory of what furniture you have. Is it all going with you? Are there any pieces you no longer want, and could that make an attractive bonus for anyone who signs a sublease? If so, include them in the photos you’ll take as part of Step #6.
If dealing with all of that furniture stresses you out, consider making your next move easier and more sustainable with CORT Furniture Rental. With professionally cleaned, stylish furnishings available on flexible terms, you can avoid heavy lifting, reduce waste, and make your new space feel like home.
Your goal is to help potential subletters envision themselves living comfortably in your space. That means presenting your apartment in its best light—literally and figuratively.
Start with a thorough clean-up. Declutter, organize, and remove overly personal items. This creates a blank slate that feels welcoming to others.
Take high-quality photos of every room. Use natural light and showcase any standout features like hardwood floors, balcony views, or in-unit laundry. Include photos of nearby favorites within walking distance and anything else you wish to include from Step #4.
If your place will remain furnished, capture the layout and furniture style. If you’re moving out and need to keep it staged, CORT can help. Rent stylish, clean, and comfortable furnishings that photograph beautifully and create a warm first impression.
When it’s time to get your listing out there, cast a wide net. And make sure your ad does justice to your space. You can place ads on Craigslist, dedicated local subletting sites, university housing boards (especially if you’re near a campus), and Facebook groups for local housing. Make sure you adhere to each web page’s character counts and image sizing constraints for the most attractive results.
Also, don’t forget to use one of the oldest (and best) forms of self-promotion — your network! Ask your friends, family, and neighbors to help you spread the word about your place.
Congratulations! The difficult work is done. Now you’re ready to write an advertisement for your sublease.
It can be exciting to get interest quickly, but it’s crucial to find someone reliable and respectful.
During the screening process:
You’ll be glad you took your time to find someone who fits. Remember, unless your landlord releases you, you’re still ultimately accountable.
Whether you’re chasing a new opportunity or following your heart, moving quickly doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort. CORT Furniture Rental can help you land on your feet with clean, high-quality furnishings that are built to last, designed for flexibility, and delivered fast. No assembly stress. No heavy lifting. No waiting on shipping. No landfill guilt. Just a fully furnished place, on your terms.
With flexible lease terms, move-in ready packages, and nationwide availability, CORT is ready when you are. Start now online, or work in-store with a professional at your local CORT Furniture Rental showroom.
