The biggest cause of stress for most of us in New York isn’t traffic, it isn’t neighbors . . . it’s rent! 80% of millennials can’t afford NYC rent. Which makes sense since the average price of rent is 120% higher than the national average. No wonder, right? And if you ever wanted to take a trip then that NYC apartment can start to feel like a ball and chain. What do you do then? It’s simple, sublet. That’s how you can enjoy your freedom and take time off to see the rest of the world. Here’s how to sublet apartment in NYC the right way!

Let’s take a look at what a sublet is, what it isn’t, and how you can do it in The Big Apple.

A Sublet in NYC Is Like A Temporary Leave Of Absence

You’re going to Europe for a month or two, but you are totally coming back. With so many people looking for a place to stay in New York City, it wouldn’t make a lot of sense to let the apartment sit there all alone without someone to keep it company. And pay your lease while you’re away. That’s why you should sublet apartment in NYC. Lots of people need a temporary place because they just got to the city and need time to find something more permanent.

A Sublet In NYC Is Not Forever

That’s the difference between a sublet and assigning a lease. If you intend to come back, you need a sublet. If you are trying to get out of your lease and you want someone to take it over completely, then you’re assigning it.

Subletting apartment in NYC

Okay. The City of Dreams sleeps on a big fluffy bed made out of paperwork, so make sure to check off all the little details. Here’s the basic overview of what to do subletting in NYC.

Gather the information you need before you sublet in NYC

It’s gonna feel like a lot, but none of it should be too hard to get.

Firstly, the sublease length of the apartment in NYC. How long are you going to be out of town?

Secondly, the name and address of the tenant from whom you’re subletting in NYC. Hopefully, you found them on Roomiapp, because then you can use the chat feature to get all that from them. If you don’t have it already.

Thirdly, why you’re doing this. Basically the reason for your decision to sublet apartment in NYC. Traveling musician? Visit family? Hula dancing?

Fourthly, written consent of anyone else who has the primary lease with you, such as a guarantor or cosigner. Because wouldn’t your roommate be surprised if you magically changed into another person without warning?

Finally, a copy of your own lease, if you can.

Additional steps to be taken to sublet apartment in NYC

Send a written request with all that jazz to your landlord. Use certified mail, and make sure to ask for a return-receipt. Don’t skip steps. The Capital of the World loves to pounce on people who skip steps.

Next, it’s your landlord’s part that moves the subletting process further. They might have more questions or need additional info. If they do, get it to them as soon as you can. Once you send off any extra stuff, the 30 day countdown begins.

Your landlord’s got 30 days to say yay or nay. If they don’t get back to you at all, then that counts as yay. Now, you can have a great sublet experience in NYC!

Now, it’s New York, so it shouldn’t come as a big shock to find out there are exceptions and special circumstances. Check out the “Tenant’s Rights” document, courtesy of the Attorney General, for more information that’ll make a sublet in NYC way easier.

Have you ever done a sublet before? How’d it go? Post your comments below.

D’you know what else Roomi does outside of helping its readers on how to sublet apartment in NYC? With our ever-increasing lists of rooms and roommates across the world, we help you find your perfect match! Download the app here and hop on the easiest ride home, ever!