A common question popping up for students as the semester draws to a close is “what are you doing this summer?” Whether the answer to that is working your butt off at an internship or living on the couch for three months, the central debate usually ends up being a staying-in-Berkeley versus going-home deal. Wherever you end up living, chances are you’ll have to deal with apartment drama, namely finding someone to sublet from you or finding a place to sublet yourself.
The same resources can usually be used for both ends of the transaction: Spam all the Berkeley Facebook groups possible to let people know you are looking for a) a place to stay or b) people to fill your spot. Advertise location, price and timing. You’ve probably seen people do this already, but if you haven’t already, now would be a good time to join the fray. Craigslist is also a good place to advertise for sublets.
If there are no takers online, through Facebook or any other group forums you can find, try circulating through word of mouth. Friends always know friends who know friends who are looking for a place to stay, or vice versa. And if you find connections through people you know, it may be more comforting than finding a random stranger to live with. Who knows what goes on in some apartments …
If you’re advertising for subletters, be sure to check with your landlord on their policies before going ad-crazy. Some places don’t allow you to sublet, and most will probably need a credit check and guarantor (probably their parents, just like your cosigners) on whomever you find to sublet from you. Be sure to iron out all the details before advertising, too. Know how much the monthly rate is going to be and what that includes. Is electricity, water and internet part of the deal? Do you already have furniture in the apartment they can use? Let your subletter know! It’s all vital information to figure out beforehand.
If you’re subletting, a lot of the same stuff applies. Be sure to ask those questions before agreeing to anything. Know how much you’re willing to pay and what you want included. If you don’t want to sleep on a bare floor for three months during summer session and don’t want to shell out extra cash for fancy furniture, then be sure to find a place that’s already furnished. If you don’t want to pay extra for utilities, make sure the rent you pay includes them.
Some of this may seem like common sense, but you’d be surprised how much of this goes overlooked by eager students in the subletting game. We at the Clog want your summers to go by hassle-free, so sublet with care!
Image source: eraine under Creative Commons
Contact Erum Khan at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @erumjkhan.