Question(s) about subleasing an apartment?

Question

I go to the University of Vermont and my family also moved out of here because of my father's job. I am a native of Madison, WI (where the University of Wisconsin is) and would love to spend next summer back there.

Because I want to spend next summer there (Mid-May until August), I will want to sublease an apartment. I'm not too experienced in how to do any of this, so I have a few concerns/questions that would be greatly appreciated to get some help with.

I don't plan on going out to Madison to look at the room/apartment I am going to sublease for the summer. Is this a problem? Am I required to meet the owner?

Once I find a reasonable location/price that fits me, do I just e-mail/call the owner to ask about subleasing?

How far in advance should I start looking for an apartment/room to sublease?

Answer 1

Have you considered being a temporary roommate? Many college students stay in their apts during the summer while many others go "home" to visit family during the summer, the ones that stay behind are often left low on cash, they'd love to have a temp-roomy help out with money.... Look at ads online (like craigslist or roommates wanted) in surrounding colleges in the area you're wanting to go, you'll be surprised how many are looking for a person like you to help them out for a few months.

Plus, you'll be able to feel a bit more safe and secure knowing they're students as well as you as oppose to any old "joe shmo" wanting a roomy.

As to when to start looking, I'd say after the new year, that's when most college students tend to get their summer plans started.

Answer 2

A sublease is offered by an individual who has leased an apartment and has no need of their place for a portion of that lease so they sublease to someone else. The only way I know to find such an arrangement other than word of mouth is newspaper classifieds. It’s not like you find an apartment you like and boom there’s a sublease to be had.  It’s not an easy arrangement to find, and it’s something you’ll have to look for fairly close to the time you’ll be going.

Normally you would meet with the apartment leaser – after all they’re trusting you with their stuff - and if they’re on the up and up you’ll probably have to meet the landlord. Plenty of leases prohibit this practice you’ll want to be certain you’re not walking into a situation where the landlord will be displeased to learn you and the leaser are violating that term.

I would suggest also trying to find a furnished apartment that offers month-to-month rentals in the event you can’t find a sublease.