How to Find a Sublease: 10 Websites for Apartment Sublets

A sublease (or sublet) is when a current tenant rents out their apartment to someone else, usually for a shorter period of time, with the landlord’s approval. Subleasing is a flexible option for students, interns, or professionals who need a short-term rental or temporary housing without committing to a year-long lease.

This guide explains what a sublease is, where to find one, how to avoid scams, and tips for making subleasing work for you.

10 Best Websites for Apartment Subleasing

What Is a Sublease and How Does It Work?

A sublease happens when you temporarily rent an apartment from someone who is already on the lease. Unlike signing a new lease, a sublease means you’re living in the apartment under the original tenant’s agreement with the landlord.

• Duration: Usually a few months, but sometimes up to a year.
• Approval required: Most landlords must give written permission before subletting.
• Payment: Rent is usually paid to the original tenant or directly to the landlord, depending on the agreement.
• Agreement: A formal sublease contract protects both parties and avoids misunderstandings.

Subleases are common for summer internships, semester-abroad programs, or temporary work assignments.

What Are the Best Websites to Find Apartment Sublets?

If you’re looking for short-term housing, these platforms make it easier to connect with verified sublets and avoid scams.

1. Sublet.com

Sublet.com is a long-standing platform dedicated to short-term rentals and subleases. It allows leaseholders to post available units with detailed descriptions and photos, while renters can search by city, price, and lease length.

A standout feature is its background checks and access to lease templates, making it more secure than many peer-to-peer options. If you want a marketplace focused solely on subletting, this site is a reliable first stop.

2. LeaseBreak.com

LeaseBreak.com caters primarily to the competitive New York City rental market, where sublets and lease takeovers are common. It’s free to browse and lists apartments, roommate shares, and rooms for rent. Because it’s NYC-focused, you’ll often find listings unavailable elsewhere, making it one of the best options if you’re moving in or out of the city quickly.

The site’s straightforward contact process makes connecting with leaseholders hassle-free.

3. Apartment List

Apartment List isn’t just for year-long rentals. It also lets you filter by lease length, from one month up to 24 months. This makes it ideal for anyone looking for short-term sublets without sorting through irrelevant listings. The platform also uses a personalized quiz to match you with apartments that fit your budget, location, and lifestyle needs. You can adjust your preferences at any time, making it one of the more customizable sublet search tools.

4. Airbnb

Although Airbnb is known for vacation rentals, many listings function like sublets. These units are usually furnished and come with utilities included, which makes them a convenient option for students, interns, or professionals on temporary assignments. The flexibility to book for weeks or months at a time is a major draw. Just note that costs can be higher than traditional sublets, but the ease of use and instant booking features are unmatched.

5. VRBO

VRBO, short for Vacation Rentals by Owner, offers millions of listings around the world. While it’s primarily marketed as a vacation rental site, many landlords are open to multi-month stays, which makes VRBO a surprisingly good resource for sublets. Its long track record and large inventory give renters confidence, and the ability to filter by length of stay means you can quickly find furnished apartments suitable for extended living.

6. Timeshare-Resale-Rental.com

Timeshare-Resale-Rental.com is a niche platform that connects renters with recurring stays in timeshare-style properties. It’s useful for professionals or frequent travelers who return to the same city multiple times each year.

While it can provide consistency and save you from repeatedly searching for short-term housing, be aware of pushy sales tactics. If you’re comfortable navigating timeshare-style arrangements, it can be a unique way to lock in repeat sublets.

7. FlipKey

FlipKey is part of the Tripadvisor Rentals family and offers over 830,000 properties across 190 countries. It’s especially useful for students or travelers who want a trustworthy platform with lots of reviews. Many listings are furnished apartments in city centers, perfect for summer sublets or temporary relocations. Because it’s tied to Tripadvisor, you can rely on detailed traveler feedback to help gauge whether a unit fits your needs.

8. RentCollegePads.com

RentCollegePads.com is tailored for students searching for off-campus housing and short-term sublets near their universities. You can search by campus, compare per-person or per-unit pricing, and even find roommate matching.

The site also lets students create profiles so that potential sublessors can contact them directly. For summer sublets, internships, or semester-long exchanges, this platform makes it easy to secure a place close to school without breaking the bank.

9. Facebook

Facebook has become a popular tool for finding sublets, especially in college towns and major cities. Marketplace listings often include affordable rooms or apartments, and housing groups are location-specific, making it easy to find available spots quickly.

You can also post your own request to see if friends or acquaintances have leads. Just be careful, since listings aren’t always vetted, you should confirm landlord approval and watch for rental scams before committing.

10. Anyplace

Anyplace caters to remote workers and professionals who need a seamless move-in experience. Listings are fully furnished and include high-speed internet and workspaces—perfect for digital nomads or people on temporary assignments.

While it’s not free, the tradeoff is quality: units are designed for productivity and convenience. If you’re looking for a stress-free sublet that doubles as a functional workspace, Anyplace is a strong contender.

How Much Do Subleases Cost Compared to Normal Leases?

In many areas, subleases tend to carry higher monthly costs than long-term leases, especially in high-demand or seasonal markets.

• Landlords and tenants charge a premium for flexibility.
• Furnishings and utilities are sometimes included.
• Demand spikes in summer and near universities. \

Still, subleasing is cheaper and less risky than breaking a lease or paying for hotels.

How Do I Avoid Sublease Scams?

Sublease scams are common, especially on social media. Protect yourself by:

• Never paying upfront without a signed agreement.
• Meeting in person at the apartment before exchanging money.
• Checking photos: Use reverse image search to spot stolen images.
• Avoiding vague listings without addresses or landlord approval.
• Confirming legality: Make sure the lease allows subletting to avoid eviction.

Tips for Subleasing

We wrote a full guide on subleasing, so check it out if you're interested. But here are some quick tips to get you started if you're thinking about finding someone to sublease your place:

1. Check your lease: Get landlord approval in writing.
2. Use renter’s insurance: Make sure you and your subtenant are covered.
3. Create a sublease agreement: Include rent, dates, deposits, and responsibilities.
4. Screen tenants: Run a credit check or ask for references.
5. Plan utilities: Decide if utilities transfer or remain in your name.
6. Communicate with roommates: Involve them in the process to avoid conflict.

Subleases Near You: Final Thoughts

Subleasing is a smart option for renters who need short-term housing or want to fill their apartment while away. The best platforms include Sublet.com, LeaseBreak, Apartment List, and Airbnb. Always check your lease, draft a written sublease agreement, and watch for scams.

Ready to find a short-term rental? Start your search with Apartment List and filter by lease length to discover sublets that fit your needs.

Finding a Sublease FAQs

Are Airbnbs considered sublets?

Not always. A sublet transfers part of a lease from tenant to tenant, while Airbnb is usually a short-term rental. Always check your lease and local laws before subleasing through Airbnb.

What is the 90-day rule on Airbnb?

In many cities, hosts cannot rent their home for more than 90 nights per year without a special license. This varies by location.

Is subleasing legal everywhere?

No. Subleasing rules vary by state and city. Always check your lease and local housing laws.

What is an illegal sublease?

Any sublease without landlord approval or that violates local laws or lease terms can be considered illegal, leading to eviction or penalties.

Do I need a security deposit for a sublease?

Yes. Even if your landlord doesn’t require it, collecting a deposit from your subtenant protects you against damage or unpaid rent.

What’s the difference between a sublease and a lease takeover?

On a sublease, you remain responsible for the lease, but someone else pays rent temporarily. With a lease takeover, the new tenant assumes the lease fully, with landlord approval.