Subletting an Apartment in NYC: 5 Things to Know | openigloo (2024)

Your questions answered about subletting an apartment, short-term leasing, Airbnb and more in New York City.

Subletting is a common practice in New York, where leaseholders rent out their space to other renters for a period of time. There are many reasons a renter may need to sublet. Perhaps they are leaving the City for a few months for work or personal reasons. Instead of breaking their lease, they can sublet their space to someone else to cover the costs of rent. If you’re a renter in NYC, here are 5 things you need to know about subletting your apartment.

Subletting an Apartment in NYC: 5 Things to Know | openigloo (1)

1. Subletting for less than 30 days is illegal.

In New York City, renters cannot sublet their space for less than 30 days. So if you’re going on vacation for a couple of weeks, renting out your space is not permitted. Buildings need to be zoned to accommodate short-term rentals. For example, dormitories or hotels are permitted to lease short-term. Most residential buildings in NYC don’t have the appropriate permissions to accommodate short-term renters.

2. You can use Airbnb and other platforms to sublet.

But what about Airbnb? Airbnb and other short-term renting platforms are having a hard time in New York City, since stricter laws came into effect. All spaces listed on Airbnb for short-term renting (less than 30 days), need to apply for short-term renting permits from the city. But if you want to host for periods longer than 30 days, you can still use Airbnb without this city permit.

Subletting an Apartment in NYC: 5 Things to Know | openigloo (2)

3. You need to notify your landlord if you want to sublet your apartment.

All renters are entitled to sublet their apartment. Under the law a landlord cannot unreasonably withhold the right to sublet. However, the landlord can refuse to sublet with good reason. If you want to sublet your space, you must inform your landlord and give them a 30-day notice. You will also have to submit documentation about your subtenant. They likely will have to meet certain income and credit requirements to qualify. Your landlord has the right to ask for additional info within that 30 day or period, or deny the request (with good reason). If they don’t say anything, you can assume an approval after the 30 day window has passed.

4. You CAN sublet your rent-stabilized apartment – but there are restrictions.

Rent-stabilized apartments are also eligible for sublet with a few restrictions. You can only sublet the apartment for 2 years at a time. You cannot indefinitely sublet your space. If the apartment is unfurnished, the maximum you can charge the subtenant is the same rent you pay. If you leave the space furnished, you can charge a 10% premium on the rent. Not sure if your apartment is stabilized? Check out our comments here.

Subletting an Apartment in NYC: 5 Things to Know | openigloo (3)

5. Sign an agreement with your subtenant.

Subleasing your space at the end of the day is a contract. Both parties should set clear expectations on price, security deposit, timeline and other rules. Once you get approval from your landlord to sublet, get your subtenant to sign a sublease agreement. Here is a free template to get you started.

Have you ever subleased your space? How was the experience? Was your landlord flexible? Be sure to share an anonymous review on openigloo, and help the next renter that considers your building and landlord.

Subletting an Apartment in NYC: 5 Things to Know | openigloo (2024)

FAQs

Subletting an Apartment in NYC: 5 Things to Know | openigloo? ›

All renters are entitled to sublet their apartment. Under the law a landlord cannot unreasonably withhold the right to sublet. However, the landlord can refuse to sublet with good reason. If you want to sublet your space, you must inform your landlord and give them a 30-day notice.

What are the rules for subletting in NYC? ›

All renters are entitled to sublet their apartment. Under the law a landlord cannot unreasonably withhold the right to sublet. However, the landlord can refuse to sublet with good reason. If you want to sublet your space, you must inform your landlord and give them a 30-day notice.

Can I sublet my apartment without telling my landlord NYC? ›

You are entitled to request permission to sublet from the owner, and the owner may not unreasonably refuse such permission. However, you must inform the owner by certified mail, return receipt requested, no less than 30 days prior to the proposed subletting.

How do I prepare for a sublet? ›

Here are a few things you should keep in mind before you let someone else live in your place:
  1. First, always check to make sure it is legal. ...
  2. Next, understand that subletting gone bad brings a new set of problems. ...
  3. Third, vet your tenants. ...
  4. Fourth, once you've found the right person, ask the right questions.
Sep 20, 2016

What is the difference between a sublet and a sublease in NYC? ›

In a sublet, the new tenant is responsible for the property and any damages that may incur. In a sublease, the original tenant is responsible for the rental property. If the new lessee damages the property, the first tenant will carry the legal financial and legal responsibility.

What is an illegal sublet in NYC? ›

New York City law allows market-rate and rent-stabilized tenants to sublet their apartments if they live in a building with four or more units. New York City law does not allow tenants that live in multiple dwellings (3 apartments or more) to sublet apartments for less than thirty days.

Can a tenant evict a subtenant NYC? ›

Like any other tenant, subtenants must be evicted properly through the courts, or a master tenant or landlord could face severe legal consequences. Generally, a master tenant, landlord or property manager may evict a subletter for the same reasons as they would a tenant.

Can I refuse to let my landlord show my apartment NYC? ›

If the landlord follows the proper notice requirements and schedules showings at reasonable times, the tenant must allow access to the rental unit. If the tenant refuses to grant access despite the landlord's reasonable notice and requests, there could be legal consequences for the tenant.

What is the roommate law in NY? ›

When only one tenant is named on a lease, the tenant has the right to take in a roommate and the roommate's dependent children. When two or more tenants are named on the lease, the number of tenants and roommates cannot exceed the number of tenants named in the lease.

How do I report an illegal sublet in NYC? ›

There are several ways to report suspected illegal short-term rentals in your building or neighborhood. You can call 311 and follow the prompts; or submit a complaint online.

How to prepare your apartment for a subletter? ›

The Top 5 Ways To Prep Your Apartment For A Subletter
  1. Swap Your Sheets. Zero things are better than being back in your own bed after a long trip. ...
  2. Beautify The Bathroom. If you're going to make one place spotless, this should be it. ...
  3. Take Any Treasured Items. Mistakes happen…a lot. ...
  4. Leave Lots To Read.

How do you make a sublet feel like home? ›

Feeling like all your belongings have their place in your new living space will go a long way to make temporary housing feel like home.
  1. Bring Photos. ...
  2. Invest in a Houseplant. ...
  3. Use a Furniture Rental Service. ...
  4. Meet Your Neighbors. ...
  5. Splurge on Little Things that Bring You Joy.
Nov 11, 2022

What does sublease mean? ›

A sublease is the re-renting of property by an existing tenant to a new third party for a portion of the tenant's existing lease contract. The sublease agreement may also be called a sublet.

What are the rules for subletting in NY? ›

Before subletting your apartment, you must notify your landlord and provide them with a 30-day notice. Under New York law, landlords cannot unreasonably withhold the right to sublet. However, they can refuse to sublet with a valid reason, such as concerns about the proposed subtenant's financial stability.

What are the disadvantages of subletting? ›

5 Pros and Cons of Allowing Properties to be Subleased
  • Pro #1: Financial Stability is Practically Guaranteed. ...
  • Cons #1: No Control Over the Sublease Agreement. ...
  • Pro #2: You Don't Have to Find Your Own Tenants. ...
  • Con #2: Original Tenants May Not be Trustworthy. ...
  • Pro #3: Increased Property Maintenance Potential.

What is the difference between a lease assignment and a sublet? ›

Unlike an assignment, a sublease only turns over part of a property. That means that the original tenant shares the rights and responsibilities to the premises. A sublease may be preferable for tenants who wish to lease out part of their property to another company for the remainder of the lease term.

How do I report illegal subletting in NYC? ›

There are several ways to report suspected illegal short-term rentals in your building or neighborhood. You can call 311 and follow the prompts; or submit a complaint online.

Can I sublease my apartment on Airbnb? ›

You are going to need your landlord's permission. Clearly communicate with your landlord or building management to ensure that subletting is allowed and to obtain any necessary approvals or permissions. Set clear and detailed rules for guests, such as specifying quiet hours and pet policies.

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