Should I allow subleasing?

Question

I have a single family home, 4 bed 2 bath that I rent out for $1800. 3/4 of the current tenants are students with co-signers. Two of those students are looking into doing an excursion this summer and asked if they could sublet for two months.

At the end of the day, I'm concerned with having tenants who care for the home and pay rent on time. Students are not my preference as tenants, but having co-signers made me feel better about renting to them. That being said, I am concerned about subletting.

Would you allow subletting in this situation?*Context - we have a tremendous student population here in Bellingham, WA. This is a very common tactic I see, but I don't have experience allowing it.

Nate Smoyer · Answer

See--this is the type question that will make me lose sleep...

Jeff B. · Answer

I've always strongly prohibited subleasing, as you have no recourse to these unknown transients.  If you want extra tenants, have them sign up with you where you can see and vet their qualifications.

I had just one experience with students - - never again.

Account Closed · Answer

I allow my peeps to rent out a room if they like, but my lease specifically says no to this.  If you decide to do it, you will need to approve anything they find with a full credit and background check.

Elijah F. · Answer

if you allow subletting, what happens if the subletters stop paying, how do you kick them out?

Nate Smoyer · Answer

@Louis Chan - My lease prohibits subletting, unless I give approval--just as yours are.

Good point on being flexible, but making sure I set the standards and rules for allowing. Thanks for the insight!

Louis Chan · Answer

Do you have anything in the lease that talks about subletting or subleasing? In my leases, they can sublease, but only with landlord/manager approval of each person that will be subleasing, possibly including an application fee and credit/background check. In an city like Bellingham with a big student population, I think subletting is inevitable so I think it's better to lay out the rules on how to let someone sublet rather than just prohibit it. They're students after all, they might try to do it anyways if you don't let them. I'd rather let them, but under my rules.

Should I allow subleasing?

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