Sublets
What should a furnished sublet include?
Updated By the Housing Rocket moderators
Short answer
A furnished sublet should include at least a bed with a mattress, somewhere to store clothes, a desk or table and chairs, basic kitchen equipment, and working internet. Linens and towels vary, so ask. Get a written list of what is included, and photograph the condition of everything when you move in.
"Furnished" means different things to different people. One tenant leaves a fully stocked home, another leaves a bare mattress. Ask for a list, or a video walkthrough, before you sign. Things worth confirming:
- Bed frame, mattress and whether a mattress protector is on it
- Sheets, pillows and towels, or whether you need to bring your own
- Pots, pans, plates, utensils and small appliances
- Closet and drawer space that has been cleared for you
- Internet speed, and whether TV or streaming accounts are shared
- Laundry access, air conditioning or fans, and any parking
Expect some of the tenant's belongings to stay, often in a locked closet or one cleared room. Ask which areas are off limits so there are no surprises.
On move-in day, take photos of the furniture and anything that looks worn or damaged, and send them to the tenant so you both have a record. That protects your deposit if a chair was already wobbly or a stain was already there.
Want the whole picture? Read How to Find a Sublet or Roommate on Facebook Safely.