Many residents at student communities like Tradition on Caplewood might choose to sublet their unit in the summer.
Nobody likes paying rent for an apartment they aren't living in. Summer break means that classes are over, but you still have to fork over some cash on the first of the month even though you're back home. The good news is that you may not have to. Subletting or reletting your University of Alabama apartment are two options that could let someone else stay in your empty room and let you cut back on expenses. But what do each of these options entail, and which one is best for you?
What is subletting?
It's likely that you've heard of somebody subletting their apartment before. It's a fairly regular occurrence for students at The University of Alabama, since many of them go home for the summer and are not using their UA off-campus housing. Also called subleasing, subletting means that somebody is added to your current lease. The apartment is "re-rented" to somebody else for part of your lease, like the summer term. They pay part of your rent when you aren't using the space, and you get to move back in when you need to. Keep in mind that you are responsible for the actions of the new resident, and any damage to the apartment falls to you. Once the sublease has expired, you are able to move back into your apartment until your lease is up. Some apartment communities may prohibit subleases or have specific terms for them, so be sure to check with your complex before starting the process.
What is reletting?
Reletting is the process of terminating your unit or individual lease before its term is up and finding a new tenant to take your place. It's a useful option when you wish to permanently end your contract and live somewhere else. Unlike subletting, the new tenant is not added to your current lease, but instead signs an entirely new lease agreement with the community. This means that your contract will end early, and a new resident will take your place. When you want to move somewhere else entirely, reletting is the way to go. You will still need to pay rent for your room until somebody can take your place, so plan accordingly.
Which is better for my Tuscaloosa apartment?
Choosing whether to sublet or relet your Tuscaloosa apartment comes down to a few key factors. First off, do you want to continue living in your current apartment? If so, subletting is the way to go. You can move back in when the sublease has expired. Are you planning on living somewhere different when you come back to Bama or even moving away? Then consider reletting so that you can leave your contract early and save on rent.
Once you have decided whether subletting or reletting is better for you, get started preparing for whatever comes next. If you sublet your apartment, pick somebody that you can trust to keep your home in good condition. If reletting makes more sense, be sure to have everything squared away for your move.