Subletting your student room: a step-by-step guide

Leaving for an exchange semester, an internship or graduating early? Subletting or transferring your room can save you months of rent — if you do it right.

Step 1: Check your contract and ask permission

Most contracts require the landlord’s written consent to sublet. Purpose-built residences often have their own “contract transfer” process. Never sublet without permission — you could lose your deposit or be held responsible for damage.

Step 2: Decide: sublet or takeover?

• Sublet: you remain the tenant and rent the room to someone else for a fixed period.
• Lease takeover: the new person signs with the landlord and you leave the contract.

Step 3: Create an honest listing

Post your room in the Sublets & lease takeovers category. Add real photos, the exact dates, the full price including bills, and whether furniture stays.

Step 4: Meet candidates

Use AllForStudents messaging, check profiles and arrange a viewing or live video call.

Step 5: Sign and document

Use a written sublet agreement, take dated photos of the room’s condition and agree how the deposit and keys will be handled.