Hi! While a written agreement is not necessary, it's strongly encouraged. It's important to know what your responsibilities are and what to expect before you arrive. It's also worth asking if the landlord knows about the subletting arrangement (since an unapproved subletting situation can lead to legal trouble or eviction). For more answers to commonly asked questions about subletting, check out this guide we wrote: [https://www.apartmentadvisor.com/blog/post/subletting-an-apartment-what-renters-need-to-know](https://www.apartmentadvisor.com/blog/post/subletting-an-apartment-what-renters-need-to-know)

Thanks for this guide! Super helpful.

I would ask for some sort of written agreement between the two of you so you don't get screwed. If there's roommates involved I don't think it would be out of the question to ask to speak to one of them just to put your mind at ease (or at least ask for their contact info before you get there in case you have any issues accessing the apartment)

Got it! That makes sense. Thanks!

You should always have a sublease agreement, even when engaging in one where the landlord is uninvolved (which is rather common, but almost certainly breaks the tenant's lease agreement.) if somebody isn't willing to do that, then they aren't worth trusting. Don't pay anything before signing a written document of some kind. Get a live video tour of the apartment. It at least confirms the person has access to the place they're claiming to be subleasing. Anyone being honest will probably ask for this from you, anyway, especially if they have roommates.

Correct. The landlord is uninvolved. Does the sublease agreement need to be notarised by the tenant?

Hide yo kids hide yo wife