law allows you to sublet your New Orleans apartment, but you need to make sure your lease allows subletting—and you should get written approval from your landlord.

Sometimes, you need to temporarily leave your rented space, but you don’t want to let go of your apartment or deal with the hassle of moving and apartment-hunting. Subletting is the perfect way to keep hold of a great space while someone else pays the rent.

To make sure you’re doing it legally and responsibly,

Jerry

the

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app has put together this quick guide. Subletting in New Orleans is easy if you follow the guidelines about when, where, and how.

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Is subletting legal in New Orleans?

Yes, it is legal to sublet your apartment in New Orleans. Louisiana state law does not specifically prohibit subletting. However, the situation is a bit more complicated. Your landlord is allowed to prohibit subletting.

Check your lease carefully before considering offering or renting a sublet. If the lease bans subletting, the subletter can be booted out onto the street.

If your lease doesn’t exclude subletting, make sure you obtain written approval from your landlord first.

Can my landlord reject my sublet tenant?

A landlord is not allowed to arbitrarily reject a sublet tenant in New Orleans. This means that, so long as you find a suitable subletter with the same qualifications as you, they must accept the subletter.

A qualified subletter should have a similar credit score and income as the original renter.

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How to sublet an apartment in New Orleans

If you’re ready to sublet an apartment, you need to carefully follow these steps.

Get the okay from your landlord

You should obtain written permission from your landlord before you start looking for a subletter. Reach out at least two weeks ahead of time to ask for their permission.

Keep the lines of communication open. Let your landlord know why you are subletting. Ask if they have any special requirements or restrictions that you should keep in mind.

Be confident and clear. Remember, you and your landlord have the same goal: to find a qualified subtenant who will pay the rent on time. Keep the landlord’s email on file.

Find a subtenant

After you receive permission, you can start looking for a subtenant. If you already have someone in mind, skip to the next section.

If you need to find a subtenant, post to websites like:

Craigslist

Anyplace

Sublet.com

Facebook Marketplace

Other listservs you belong to

Your post should include information like the length of the sublet, the neighborhood, the price, and the size of your space. If there are income and credit score requirements for the subtenant, make sure you check.

Screen applicants’ background and income

New Orleans is a popular destination. You’re bound to get a ton of applicants for your sublease. Screening applicants is the best way to speed up the process and find a great candidate.

Reject anyone with a lower income or credit score than yours. Your landlord will reject them anyway, and it’s wise not to waste your landlord’s time.

Ask for proof of income. Documentation could be pay stubs, bank statements, or a letter from their employer.

It’s not always necessary to perform a formal background check. Social media and online searches can help you understand whether someone might be a reliable tenant. However, third-party services can offer peace of mind. Remember, you will be financially and legally responsible for the subtenant!

Create a sublease agreement and request approval in writing

With an approved candidate onboard, you need to create a legal agreement about the sublease. Do this by phone, video conference, or in person.

The agreement should be signed by you and the subtenant. It should specify:

The start and end dates of the sublet

The amount of rent they owe you each month

And procedures for both payment and nonpayment

You’re ready to send the documents to your landlord. Send the sublease agreement, the applicant’s materials, and a written request for approval to your landlord. Make sure that your request includes information about when the sublet will begin and end, as well as your reason for subletting.

Continue paying rent

That’s it! Your sublet process is now complete.

Remember that you are still responsible for making rent payments. You will receive payments from the subtenant and you must continue to pay rent on time. If the subtenant is unable to make a payment, you are still on the hook.

Key Takeaway Document everything in writing at every step of the way to help cover yourself if anything unexpected happens!

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How to find the best renters insurance

How to save on renters insurance in New Orleans

When you sublet an apartment, it’s very important to ensure that you and your belongings have protection. Losses and legal complications can happen even in a short sublet.

Thankfully, renters insurance is affordable. It’s easy to find a great policy using the

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If you live in New Orleans, Jerry can help you prepare for the subletting process.

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