Subletting Your Apartment When You Move Abroad: The Complete Guide
Going abroad for an internship, a study abroad program, or a professional assignment is a unique experience. But one question often comes up: what should you do with your apartment while you’re away? Subletting your apartment when you go abroad is the ideal solution to avoid paying rent unnecessarily while keeping your place. In this comprehensive guide, find out how to save money, stay in good standing, and make your departure easier.
Why sublet your apartment when you move abroad?
Subletting your apartment has many advantages, especially for students and young professionals:
Save several hundred euros a month
Rent can be a significant expense, even when you’re away. By subletting your apartment, you’ll continue to receive your full rent while you’re away, which helps reduce your expenses and fund your stay abroad.
Keeping your home for when you return
Subletting your home allows you to keep it safe for when you return. This way, you avoid losing your apartment and having to look for a new place to live when you get back.
Meeting high temporary demand
In many college towns, demand for short-term rentals is very high. Subletting your apartment makes it easy to find a reliable subtenant and fill the dates you’ll be away quickly.
The perfect solution for students and young professionals
Subletting is particularly well-suited for students and young professionals who are relocating. It combines flexibility, security, and financial savings, while allowing you to fully enjoy your experience abroad.
Is it legal to sublet your apartment?
Subletting your home is legal, but there are certain rules you must follow depending on the type of lease you have.
The Case of the Student Lease
If you are a student renter, check your lease. Some landlords allow temporary subletting, often under certain conditions (limited duration, maximum rent amount). In any case, obtain the landlord’s written consent before subletting.
Case of a standard lease
Under a standard lease, subletting is permitted, but requires the landlord’s written consent. The rent charged to the subtenant cannot exceed the amount you pay yourself.
Landlord's permission
Obtaining the landlord’s permission is essential to stay within the law and avoid any disputes. Generally, all you need to do is send an email or a letter specifying the duration and terms of the sublease and obtain written permission from your landlord or agency.
👉 To learn more about the legality of subletting, schedule an appointment with a member of our team
How to Sublet Your Apartment the Easy Way
Subletting your apartment may seem complicated, but with a little organization, the process is quick and secure.
Preparing Your Home
Before subletting your apartment:
Tidy up and clean your home
Take great photos to attract subtenants
List the available amenities (internet, appliances, furniture)
Set the right duration and price
Determine the exact period of subletting that corresponds to your absence
Set a fair rent—ideally the same as your current rent or slightly lower—to find a subtenant quickly
Clearly state the terms and conditions in the ad
Ensuring a Safe Sublease
Draft a sublease agreement specifying the term, rent, and obligations of each party
Verify the subtenant’s identity and creditworthiness
Schedule a walk-through before the subtenant arrives and after they leave
Conclusion
Subletting your apartment when you move abroad is now one of the best ways to leave with peace of mind, save on rent, and keep your home. With Swwitch, subletting is simple, legal, and secure, allowing you to fully enjoy your experience abroad.