My group of four friends and I just signed a lease for a cute house in Westdale (Yay!) and we're really happy with it and super excited to move in for next year.
But I was wondering if its worth it to try to sublet? I would like to make some money back because I don't feel comfortable paying for 4 months of rent when I'll be living at home in Toronto.
Is it easy to get screwed over when subletting? (ie. the summer tenant destroys your place?)
My 4 housemates are pretty sure they wont sublet, but that they wont live there either, so is it weird for me to sublet my own room in a house of 5 rooms which will be empty except for that one person?
And how much can I expect to make back? My rent is 360+utilities but I've heard that summer students will only pay a fraction of this.

I don't have any experience with this kind of stuff and would really appreciate your thoughts!
Thanks

I would only sublet to someone that you know or someone that you feel comfortable taking care of your stuff. If someone destroys your place, then you are responsible for their actions. Unless your place is amazing, you won't get your full rent paid for.

If you don't end up subletting it, don't be afraid to use it as a party house during the summer, like a cottage in the middle of Hamilton so you and your friends can get away from parents.

If you do sublet, make sure it is someone you trust as previously mentioned. Sublets almost never go for full rate, which sucks, but if you get even 50%, at least you got 50%. Good landlords will offer 8 month leases, but of course it is easier to make money with 12 month.

: (

Yes, if nothing else your place in Hamilton is a good place to hang out parents-free in the summer.

Good point there, Rossclot.

Thanks guys. I think I'll post an ad and see what kind of responses I get and decide from there. Mostly I'll just hate the fact that whatever job I get in the summer, most of my earnings are going to an empty house.

Originally Posted by Melanieee

Thanks guys. I think I'll post an ad and see what kind of responses I get and decide from there. Mostly I'll just hate the fact that whatever job I get in the summer, most of my earnings are going to an empty house.

why not look for a job here then?

Yes that's deffinitely an option. Do you find that there's lots of student summer job opportunities in Hamilton?

Depends on what you're comparing it to.

For me, there are tons and tons more, even at Mac than at home. But if you're from a huge city that may not be the case.

There is a lot of stuff available at Mac for students, especially when research and lab jobs are added to the mix, likely around several hundred (400-600ish) easily.

i am still looking for a place for the summer *cough cough*

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