Can I Sublet My Apartment In Chicago?
Don't want to break your lease but need to leave your place for a while? One option is to sublet the space. Your lease deal still applies even if you temporarily rent out your space to someone else. Finding someone to take over your rent is not enough to lease, though. You need to know how subleasing works in Chicago before you give your keys to someone else. Many people who rent or own property in the city must follow certain rules. Make sure your rental goes well by reading this.
How Does Subletting Work If I Want To Let Others Live In My Apartment For A Short Period?
Subletting (or subleasing) is when a lessee leases a unit out to a new party for a period but with an ongoing lease in your name. That is, even when a new party is living in it and paying rent payments, damages, and any infraction of your lease will be under your name and liability. That is important in case your subtenant fails in payments or raises a problem; your owner can still hold you responsible for whatever occurs.
Subletting in Chicago is legal in general, but with certain restrictions that you must follow. Most leases have sublease provisions, and therefore, first go through your lease. In some buildings, a written consent is required, and in others, subletting is not allowed at all. You will also want to make sure that whoever you sublet to is a responsible individual, whose actions will then be credited to your name as a first-time tenant.
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Before You Make Any Plans, Check Your Lease To See What It Says About Subletting
Before you let someone else live in your flat, you should read your lease deal very carefully. Many landlords in Chicago have rules about subletting that might make it hard for you to do it. The following are some of the most popular subletting terms in leases:
Whether or not subletting is okay
For how long can you rent out your room?
Whether landlord permission is needed before renting out a room
There may be extra costs if you decide to do it
If your deal doesn't say anything about subletting, Illinois law usually lets you. But just because the law lets you rent doesn't mean your owner can't make their own rules. For the sake of peace of mind, you should always let your owner know about your plans to rent. Clear conversation can help avoid mistakes and keep your rental history in good standing.
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Should You Get Your Landlord's Permission Before Subletting, And What Should You Do To Make Sure Nothing Goes Wrong?
It's possible that your landlord lets you sublease, but some owners want you to get their written permission first. The reason for this is that owners want to make sure the new tenant is trustworthy, has enough money, and won't cause any issues for the building or other renters.
Talk to your owner first before you do anything else:
Ask formally: Just ask your owner for permission to sublet in a letter or email.
Give specifics about your subtenant: Make sure to include their name, job, and a list of past rentals.
Why you are subletting: Why do you need to sublet, and how long do you think the rental will last?
Sign a contract: As you sign your lease with the owner, make sure that everything is written down so that there are no issues in the future.
Before you go ahead with your plans, make sure you know if there are any fees that the owner may charge to handle requests for sublets.
The Best Way To Find A Good Subtenant For Your Chicago Apartment
It is very important to find the right subtenant because you will be responsible if they don't pay their rent or damage the property. When looking for a responsible subtenant, follow these tips to avoid future problems:
Ask friends, family, or your workmates first: A personal contact is a safer option simply because you have a deeper level of trust in an individual whom you already know.
Use trusted sources: Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Zillow can work for finding tenants, but use discretion and thoroughly background-check and screen your potential tenants first.
Screen potential tenants: Ask for documentation of income, references, and even a background check when appropriate.
Sign a sublease agreement: This agreement protects both your subtenant and yourself by defining terms for tenancy duration, payment of rent, and chores.
You Should Be Aware Of Chicago's Subletting Regulations And Tenant Protections Before Renting Out Your Apartment To Someone Else
According to Chicago's Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO), a property may be rented, provided that the lease agreement specifies otherwise. The correct legal procedures must be followed to ensure that everything proceeds as planned, regardless of whether renting a property is permitted by law. Here are a few of them:
Giving your landlord written notice: Even if it isn't specifically included in your leasing agreement, it is always preferable to give written notice to your landlord.
Verifying that the subtenant complies with all construction regulations: The subtenant is responsible for adhering to all lease conditions, including those pertaining to pets, noise levels, and other rules.
Taking good care of rent payments: Even if your subtenant is responsible for paying the rent, it is your responsibility to pay on time.
Your landlord may file a lawsuit against you or even end your leasing agreement if you don't follow these rules.
Tips On What To Do If Your Subtenant Stops Paying Rent And How To Avoid Losing Money
You are still legally obligated to pay your owner the full amount of rent even if your subtenant stops paying. These reasons make picking a reliable subtenant so important. When this happens, do these things:
There may be a misunderstanding or a short cash problem, but try to solve the problem directly by talking to your subtenant.
Notify them officially that they must pay or face legal consequences.
Using the law to get back what you lost if you have to— If they won't pay, you might have to force them to leave or get legal help.
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Cleaning Up Your Apartment Before Renting It Out For A Good Rental Experience
It is important to make sure your apartment is clean and in good shape before welcoming your subtenant. Setting clear rules for how the room should be treated and avoiding arguments over cleaning is easier when the space is clean. Ensuring your apartment is clean and ready for a new tenant is easier if you hire a professional service like Deep Cleaning Chicago. Prior to your subtenant moving in, make sure that your apartment is in great shape. This will make the experience great for everyone.
Subletting In Chicago The Correct Way Without Violations Of The Laws
If you must move out for a short duration, temporarily subleasing your Chicago apartment can be a perfect alternative, but with all the correct protocols and in compliance with all restrictions. Double verify your lease, contact your landlord, select a responsible subtenant, and make your apartment ready for its new inhabitant before handing over keys. You can gain through subleasing and save yourself unnecessary anxiety and legal complications, but only when adhering to all correct protocols.
