how do you sublet an apartment in chicago

1. Read your lease carefully. It may say that you don't need to let your landlord know or it may offer specific steps for getting their approval.
2. Get pre-approval to sublet. Neither Illinois nor Chicago law describe the process tenants should use to get their landlord’s approval to sublease.
3. Find and screen a subletter. When it comes to legal sublets, pretty much everything comes down to finding someone who is as financially qualified as you.
4. Send a written request for approval. Even if you have a casual relationship with your landlord, it's best to stay formal here. ...
Wait patiently (but not too patiently) Give them a few days and up to a week to get back to you. Nudge politely at this point. ...
Collect and store a security deposit and/or the first month of rent. Stay protected against lost rent and damages and rest assured that your rent will definitely be covered.
Be free and go somewhere better! Whether you're trading up or trading down, or just looking for a change, enjoy it. ...

Full Answer

What constitutes an apartment sublet?

• The apartment is in a basement (or less common for NYC, an attic)
• No inside plumbing, bathroom, or cooking area
• If the bathroom or kitchen are separated. (This could look like a toilet and a shower in different rooms or a fridge and stove in different areas.)
• No windows
• No secondary exit
• You operate on one gas and/or electrical meter with other people

What is the average rent for an apartment in Chicago?

What is the average rent in Chicago? The average rent for an apartment in Chicago is $2,059. The cost of rent varies depending on several factors, including location, size, and quality. What is the average apartment size in Chicago?

How to find a sublet in Chicago?

• w/d in unit
• w/d hookups
• laundry in bldg
• laundry on site
• no laundry on site

What makes a basement apartment legal in Chicago?

How To Make A Basement Apartment Legal In Chicago? A Chicago basement apartment can extend to any depth below the floor grade as long as the space has sufficient protection from leakage. Floors and walls must be impervious to water penetration from both surface and underground water. Basement apartments must have a minimum ceiling height of 7 ...

Is subletting allowed in Chicago?

It is legal to sublet an apartment in Chicago. In fact, renters in Chicago are given the explicit right to sublet an apartment even if their lease or landlord says no. If a tenant signed a lease that prohibits subletting, it is not enforceable under Chicago city law.

How does subleasing work Chicago?

Chicago tenants have an absolute right to sublet Unlike Illinois state law, Chicago city law specifically grants tenants the right to sublease a rental unit. This law overrides anything in a lease that says otherwise. If a tenant signed a lease that bans subletting, that clause is illegal and unenforceable.

Can you sublease an apartment in Illinois?

In Illinois, there is no law requiring landlords to allow sublets. But your lease may address it, so you should read that first. Also, local laws may require your landlord to allow sublets.

Can I sublet my apartment?

If a tenant chooses to sublease a property, they will have to create a specific lease agreement (a sublease) between themselves and the third party that will be occupying the premises. This sublease, however, doesn't dissolve the original lease between the tenant and the landlord.

Is subletting illegal?

Your landlord may take legal action against you if you sublet your home unlawfully. Unlawful subletting includes if you: need your landlord's permission before subletting all or part of your home but don't get it. aren't allowed to sublet all or part of your home but you do so anyway.

What is subletting an apartment?

Subletting happens when an existing tenant lets all or part of their home to someone else who is known as a subtenant. Many tenants need permission before they can sublet.

Can a landlord break a lease in Illinois?

If your landlord constructively evicts you through harassment, privacy violation, or making the property unusable, breaking your lease in Illinois is legal. You may also have a civil claim against your landlord for compensatory damages.

What are your rights as a tenant without a lease in Illinois?

Evicting Without a Lease “At will” tenants, or those who live in a unit without a lease do not automatically receive protection from evictions or other landlord actions. However, when this type of tenant pays the landlord rent, they earn rights.

How much notice does a landlord have to give a tenant to move out?

Notice periodsLength of tenancyNotice that the landlord must giveLess than 6 months28 days6 months or longer but less than 1 year90 days1 year or longer but less than 3 years120 days3 years or longer but less than 7 years180 days2 more rows•May 16, 2022

What is the punishment for subletting?

It carries a maximum penalty of 6 months, a fine and an Unlawful Profit Order (UPO). The second more serious offence requires dishonesty. It can be heard in either the Magistrates or Crown Court. The maximum penalty is 2 years imprisonment, a fine and a UPO.

Do you need permission to sub let?

When renting accommodation many tenants rent directly from a landlord who owns the property. However, it's also possible to rent from another tenant who has rented the property from the owner. This is called subletting. Most tenants need their landlord's permission before they can sublet all or part of their home.

Is it subletting if they don't pay?

If a family member or friend is staying with you on a temporary basis and they do not pay rent, this is not considered subletting either – merely having guests.

How can I break my lease in Chicago?

Breaking a lease by executing a buy-out clause, the tenant must typically give the landlord 30 or 60 days' notice of intent to execute the clause by filling out a form. Before vacating, the tenant must pay the buy-out fee, typically 2-3 months' rent.

How do you advertise a sublease?

Tips for Advertising a Sublease | CORT....The Secrets to Advertising Your SubleaseEnsure That Subleasing Is An Option. Don't make the assumption that you can sublease. ... Check Out the Competition. ... List the Pros. ... Make Your Space Stand Out. ... Consider Your Furnishings. ... Identify Your Outlets. ... Advertise Your Sublease.

How do you spell Subletter?

Subletter definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary.