Subletting a flat
It is rather rare that people look at their own four walls and think: Man, I really have too much space. Even if you were to transfer half of our household items to a self-storage facility, you would probably still feel that space is restricted.
Should you be one of those rare exceptions, you might be able to earn some extra money. Doing so with subletting is really quite simple. This method of letting out your living space to others also works if you’re travelling and out of town for a longer period of time.
In this case, renting a self-storage unit might be useful to ensure your personal items are not exposed. We at LAGERBOX offer storage units in a range of different sizes for you to store your belongings.
They can be old furniture that takes up too much space or, like in this case, personal items you would rather store safely outside your own four walls. Moreover, many online retailers and even larger companies use the storage services offered by LAGERBOX as well as our package receiving service. Here are some LAGERBOX tips for subletting your home.
TIPS ON SUBLETTING
Subletting is when you let out a flat or house that you don’t own yourself. There are rules for this. First, you need to seek permission to do so from your landlord. According to German law, you can only sublet if he or she has allowed it.
You should also clarify the conditions for the sublet with them. After all, there is a small risk involved with having an unknown person living in their property. When you’re subletting, the aim should be that you return to living in that house or flat after the sublease has expired.
If you have the permission from your landlord, you should create a sublease agreement. This is not mandatory, but it helps to avoid certain risks. If you have no experience with creating such an agreement, you could seek help from a lawyer or notary and have them draw up a contract.
The third tip
The rental agreement should specify the rent amount and the deposit. A deposit is a sum of money that the tenant pays to you at the beginning of the sublease that you will return if the property is in good condition and without any major damages at the end. If this is not the case, the deposit helps you cover the costs of repair. Any extra earnings generated from subletting are subject to taxation. Moreover, you should make sure the rent is paid on time.
Maybe this is a good time to mention possible disadvantages and problems with subletting. The sublessor can be thrown out of the apartment just like the subtenant. You are liable for your subtenant.
What does that mean? If the subtenant parties every day and leaves the flat looking like dive bar in complete dissaray, not only the subtentant will be thrown out but the sublessor, too. The sublessor is accountable for the subtenant's conduct.
Another thing to note is whether the contract is permanent or fixed-term. With a fixed-term subletting agreement, the lease expires after a set duration, reverting back to the previous living arrangement.
If the contract specifies a limited duration, the sublessor can require the subtenant to leave the apartment once the contract expires, without having to give any reasons. Otherwise, not only the subletter but also the subtenant has the right to end a contract. The subtentant, too, can withdraw from the contract without having to give any reasons. If the contract is permanent, the sublessor needs to present some very good reasons to be able to terminate the rental agreement with the subtenant.
If you’re leaving the country for a longer period of time and wish to sublet your apartment, these are some of the things you should consider before taking the step. Finally, if you think you need additional storage space or other storage-related services, come visit us at one of nearby LAGERBOX storage facilities or book a unit online.
