The secret to subletting

Subletting a room, or perhaps a garage or a studio, is perfectly legal. If you still intend to live there and you have informed your landlord, so long as you’re not moving in a bunch of itinerant workers or an entire family, your landlord cannot withhold his or her consent.

Stranger danger

Subletting to a friend or an acquaintance, by word of mouth or through Facebook, is a good way to give yourself peace of mind that your subletter will be a considerate and respectful housemate.

The potential problem with finding roommates on websites like Gumtree is that you could get a nasty surprise later on when you find out what they’re really like to live with. Anyone can look good on paper, but it’s a good idea to get references for anyone you don’t know personally so you can be confident they will be a good match for your rental property. If you are searching online, set up a meeting time to see if you get along and make sure you allocate at least half an hour to get to know the person.

Friend faux pas

Living with a friend can come with its own issues too. You may be best buds socially, but when it comes to cleaning, noise and other living arrangements, it can be a different story. Even when living with a friend, it’s important to discuss the house rules. You might be a bit more lenient when it comes to the bond if you trust them, but write down your non-negotiables, such as giving a month’s notice or not leaving mouldy food in the fridge.

It’s a smart idea to get things in writing and have clear rules similar to a normal rental agreement. This will save you from headaches down the track if problems arise. There are some horror stories out there and, if you are the one on the lease, you will be liable for damage and could lose your bond money – whether or not it’s your fault.

The big bonus of being the only name on the lease is you get to determine who comes and who goes – essentially, you’re a mini landlord.

Screen your potential subletters well and have clear rules and boundaries so your home can be a haven rather than a living hell.