Questions/concerns about subletting

In My Humble Opinion
1

I’m probably going to be moving to NYC in July, and since I currently live across the country, I was thinking the thing to do would be look for a furnished sublet, then look for more permanent housing when I can actually, you know, look at it. But I’ve never sublet anything (barring the college from-people-you-know thing), so I have some questions:

  1. Is it common to want a deposit before I move in? Usually when I’m renting I know where they live and all that, but I’m a little leery of sending a check to someone I’ve never met (other than maybe via skype).

  2. At least one guy wants bank-to-bank transfer instead of a check - I’ve never heard of anyone doing that for renting, anything I should know?

  3. Is it standard to pay the whole period up front? Like, deposit + two months rent right off, instead of per-month.

  4. Anything else I should ask/be wary of? I’m kinda new to this ballgame.

2

Yes, it’s common to want a deposit. Remember, the bug is more scared of you than you are of it, ifyouknowwhatImean. I would not, however, do the bank-to-bank transfer (unless that’s reversible, which I assume it’s not). It’s also pretty common to pay the whole thing upfront, if you can. Lots of people can’t, so it doesn’t usually come up.

I think you’re making a good choice by subletting before you commit to a year-long lease. Just follow your instincts, ask lots of questions, make them sign a contract, keep track of checks you write, and you’ll be fine.