Subleases 101: A How-to Guide to Subletting in Evanston

1. Get Permission from the Landlord: The tenant might need their landlord's permission before subletting the apartment. A tenant can send a formal letter or email to the landlord to explaining the plan to sublet. A tenant should give enough notice before the sublease starts.
2. Find a Subtenant: The tenant should start looking for someone to sublet the apartment. Websites like Facebook Marketplace can be helpful for finding potential subtenants. It is important to communicate any specific requirements like credit score, income, and how long they can stay.
3. Check Applicants: The tenant reviews applications to find someone reliable. Applicants with lower income or credit scores might be less likely to be approved by the landlord .
4. Create a Sublease Agreement: A written agreement should be signed by the tenant and subtenant. Include important details like the start and end dates of the sublease, the monthly rent amount, and payment procedures.
5. Request Approval in Writing: The tenant should send a copy of the sublease agreement and the subtenant's documents to the landlord. Keeping a copy is important for documentation purposes.
6. Keep Paying Rent: The tenant is still responsible for paying rent to the landlord. If the subtenant can't pay, the tenant is still on the hook for it.
7. Document Everything: Throughout the process, it's important to keep records of all the steps taken. Saving copies of letters, texts, and emails ensures that there's evidence in case any issues arise later.

Remember: These are not laws, so tenants who don’t follow them are not acting illegally. But they are good tips and help protect a tenant.