How do I get my apartment ready for a subtenant?

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Clear space for their things, lock away or remove valuables and personal documents, clean thoroughly, and leave a written guide covering Wi-Fi, trash days, appliances and who to call for repairs. Photograph every room, arrange keys and mail forwarding, and tell your landlord and building who will be living there. A good handover prevents most sublet problems. Work through this in the week before you leave: Empty at least half the closet and a few drawers, and clear a shelf in the kitchen and bathroom. Remove or lock up valuables, passports, financial papers and anything irreplaceable. Deep clean, especially the fridge, bathroom and bedding, and leave basics like a new toilet roll and dish soap. Write a one-page house guide: Wi-Fi, how appliances work, trash and recycling days, building rules, your contact details and the landlord's for repairs. Take dated photos and video of every room and the furniture. Sort mail forwarding or ask a roommate or neighbor to collect it. Hand over keys in person and note how many copies they have. Tell the building staff or doorman the subtenant's name and dates so they are not treated as an intruder, and confirm any package or entry systems will work for them. Keep your renters insurance active and ask your insurer whether it covers your belongings while someone else lives there. Many policies treat that differently, so do not assume.

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