Whether you are the owner, tenant, or subletter, here are some tips to keep in mind when renting a space on Listings Project:
Check your lease agreement and local laws
Before you sublet, check your lease agreement to make sure that you are allowed to sublet your space. Certain leases may require the written approval of your landlord. Confirm with your landlord that you are able to sublet. Remember to check any building rules or other local laws that may apply to rentals (some municipalities have restrictions on short-term rentals) and sublets in your area prior to commencing a sublet arrangement.
Connect with Listers and establish communication and trust
Take the time to get to know the person listing or the person responding to your listing. If you have questions about or concerns, share your thoughts clearly, openly, and honestly. We encourage clear, open, and respectful conversations when communicating directly with fellow Listers. Jump on a phone call, video call, or if possible, meet each other in person in a public space. Find joy in interactions by participating in our community and nourishing relationships.
Ask basic questions
Learn a little bit more about the person who you are speaking with. If you are renting the space out, consult federal, state, and local laws to ensure that you are complying with any fair housing and non-discrimination rules and regulations in your conduct and conversations.
Within the applicable limits of fair housing and non-discrimination laws, it is absolutely appropriate to ask questions and to conduct the conversation with “interview” type of questions, as the intention should be for each of you to decide whether or not there is a potential match. If you have specific needs or concerns, it's almost always better to raise those issues for more open communications before making any agreements or transactions.
Trust your instincts and take care of yourself
As you communicate with other Listers, only share what you are comfortable sharing. If you feel uncomfortable with the way someone is communicating with you, trust your instincts, cease communicating, and set boundaries that feel appropriate to you.
Arrange time for a walk-through of the space
Once you’ve established trust and connection, make time to have a physical or video walk-through of the space. Address any quirks of the space, any areas or items that are off limits, how and to whom to request maintenance/repairs, who to contact for emergencies, etc.
Align on specific terms and make sure your lease or sublet agreement reflects what you agreed on
Don’t forget! Listings Project is not party to any agreement entered by and between Listers, and you should verify information in the listing and the agreement before entering any agreement. When renting or subletting, read any leases carefully and address any questions you may have before signing. Spelling all essential terms out clearly in a lease or sublet agreement will help ensure there aren’t misunderstandings later on. You should include in the agreement any house or building rules that may apply to any tenants more broadly, not just those that might apply to the current landlord residing at a home.
You should also specify the deposit amount, when it is due, and when it will be returned and the anticipated responsibility for the utilities. You should identify whether or not this particular arrangement will take on greater risk and consider increasing the deposit within local limitations for damage caused by the tenant beyond normal wear and tear.
Prepare your space for tenants/subletters
Remove any fragile, sentimental, or valuable items, including any family heirlooms and important documents, if possible. If you are unable to remove important items, secure them in a locked area. Clear out as many cupboards, as well as any dresser drawers, so that your subletter has space for their things. Tidy and clean your space and make sure you’ve stocked up on household essentials. You might even consider leaving a friendly note to welcome your new tenant, along with a list of your favorite things about your space and the neighborhood.
Before the handover, take an inventory of the furniture and other valuables you are leaving and take photos/videos of each room, and any valuables you are unable to remove, to document the space prior to the handover. Consider having the Lister moving in sign the inventory.
Address problems that may arise
Work with each other to identify potential problems, hazards or dangers early on and seek to repair and mitigate issues to create a healthy and peaceful environment. Fix things promptly, don't let problems linger.
Ask for references and possible screening and be extra cautious with subletters
Share and call references from past tenants, subletters, landlords, or roommates to verify the history of the Lister. Consult your local laws on the use of background checks. Consider asking for income verification or vetting the ability of the Lister to pay the rent. Be aware that background checks may not tell the full story. If you have specific concerns, speak openly about them with the fellow Lister.
Embody and carry out our Community Agreements
Every Listings Project user, whether you are posting a listing, reading listings, or responding to listings, is held to our Community Agreements. Listings Project does not vet Listers on the site and expects all Listers in our community to hold themselves accountable to our Community Agreements.