College housing
I'm studying abroad next semester. What do I do with my apartment?
Updated By the Housing Rocket moderators
Short answer
Your main options are to sublet your room for the semester, have someone take over the lease completely, or keep paying rent while you're away. Start by checking what your lease allows and asking the landlord in writing. Then begin looking for a replacement as soon as you know you're going.
- Read the lease for any clause on subletting or assigning it, then email the landlord to ask what they'll permit.
- Tell your roommates early. On a joint lease they share the risk if your replacement stops paying.
- Post the room in your college housing group with dates, rent, photos and whether it's furnished.
- Meet the people who reply, in person or on a live video call, and sign a written sublease.
- Collect rent in a way that leaves a record, and keep track of every payment.
Students leaving in spring have an advantage: others are arriving for spring internships, co-ops and exchange programs and need exactly that kind of short stay.
If you already know you'll be away before you sign a lease, look for a ten-month lease or a place whose landlord allows sublets. For sublease agreements and pricing, see sublets.
Want the whole picture? Read Off-Campus Housing for Students: A Semester-by-Semester Timeline.