Subletting Question

just rent it furnished with a flat screen already...

the painting is a standard statement. consider that you usually have to repaint every 5 yrs no matter what.

if you're fond of the custom blinds, take them down. what will happen if they get damaged?

if they attach a flat screen tv to the wall, when they move out, you'll repair that wall and repaint it the color it was and charge the tenants from the security deposit.

Tech, you can put whatever you want into the lease.

If the prospective renter doesn't like it ... NEXT!

(This is provided, of course, that you are in compliance with your building's sublet rules in the first place.)

ab - thanks

matt - yes, they permit subletting. my understanding is that its technically max 2 yrs, but if things are going well and the tenant isnt causing any problems, they let the sublet continue informally. which is why when and if i do ever sublet, ill be choosing a tenant carefully.

Tech, I'd proceed cautiously with this.

How long are you planning on subletting REALLY? If it's "indefinitely", don't be surprised if your co-op board doesn't go along with it.

We had that same setup in our building for years -- until shareholders started abusing it by taking advantage. The problem is, no matter how "good" those tenants are, it's in a co-op's best interest (at the very lest of which for sales comps and mortgage requirements) to have as many owner-occupied units as possible.

Our new crop of co-op board members is on a full=tilt campaign to "take back the building" from the renters, and has changed the policy for subletting -- strictly enforcing a "one year on, one year off" sublet policy that allows only for a maximum of three years total.

In other words, just because you have this policy in place now doesn't mean it will always be in place.

Matt - I'm not really sure how long I would be subletting...this is all years down the line and Im kind of just thinking hypothetically as I make these small improvements - I think to myself "I would not want someone mucking my hard work up if I ever were to sublet etc", who knows what the boards policy will be at that time anyway, I'll have to wait and see!