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How to Find a Summer Sublet

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Margaret Schwethelm Student Contributor, University of Virginia
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Francesca Lee Student Contributor, University of Virginia
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UVA chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

With just a little over a month left until classes end, you’ve probably begun making plans for the summer – or at least begun thinking about what plans you can make. Plans or no plans, you may know where you’ll be… or where you won’t. Are you leaving your Charlottesville apartment empty this summer? Are you wishing you could fill that spot and get that cash back?

Many landlords require a full 12-month lease, which leaves your apartment empty during the summer and your bank account drained. So you’re probably thinking, “Well, I’ll just send out some emails and find a sublettor.” But if you’re only emailing the two or three listservs, you’re only reaching out to a fraction of the student population. To access more people and to increase your chances of finding a sublettor, visit the official UVA Off-Grounds housing website!

As the official off-Grounds housing website for UVA, the site provides you with safe and proven options to list your apartment for a summer sublet: it advertises your offer to thousands of students; it gives access only to fellow Wahoos, preventing scams and promoting safety; and it offers some great resources that will guide you to a rent-free summer! Look below for some basic subletting tips, and check out the website for more information!

Tips for a Successful Sublet:
–Always practice caution when showing your apartment. Have a friend stay with you and always speak with the potential sublettor on the phone first.
–Advertise your sublet early. Find someone before the subletting market heats up.
–Get everything in writing. You are still liable to your landlord for rent and upkeep. Extend that liability to your sublettor with a sublease.
–Talk to your landlord. He/she may have some restrictions or perhaps some tips.
–Post your listing on http://offgroundshousing.student!

Francesca Lee is a fourth year majoring in sociology with a minor in media studies at the University of Virginia. This summer, she developed a passion for TV production after interning at WETA, the public television station for DC and the greater metro area.  Throughout the summer, Francesca researched, wrote and produced several WETA Around Town segments about the local arts programs and graffiti murals in DC.  As the new campus correspondent for Her Campus UVa, she is working to create video content for the UVa branch to supplement the written content.  This spring, she hopes to study abroad in Denmark and expand her knowledge of international broadcasting and advertising. Francesca also gives historical and admissions tours to visitors and prospective students at UVa and is a member of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority.