# Questions/concerns about subletting

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-concerns-about-subletting/586753>\
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion\
**Created:** [June 24, 2011, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-concerns-about-subletting/586753 "2011-06-24T20:03:25Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![runcible\_spoon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9fc29f/32.png) [@runcible\_spoon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/runcible_spoon)\
**Post date:** [June 24, 2011, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-concerns-about-subletting/586753/1 "2011-06-24T20:03:25Z")

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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.

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**Author:** ![DooWahDiddy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e9bcb4/32.png) [@DooWahDiddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DooWahDiddy)\
**Post date:** [June 25, 2011, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-concerns-about-subletting/586753/2 "2011-06-25T03:11:36Z")

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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.