As the academic year comes to a close, many students heading out of town are making a last effort to sublease their apartments.

“I’m graduating in May and definitely hoping to sublease,” said Tara Mason, senior in business. “I don’t want to pay for an apartment I’m not using.”

Michael Jay, director of operations at Campus Property Management, advised students to be careful when subleasing.

“They shouldn’t just pick the first person that shows interest,” he said. “They should interview people first.”

With supply exceeding demand over summer, students trying to sublease may not have the luxury of choice.

“Some people do find someone to sublet,” said Esther Patt, coordinator of the Tenant Union. “It’s just that the number of people wanting to sublease far outweighs demand.”

“So many students are trying to sublease for summer,” said Hilary Young, senior in communications. “I know I won’t find anyone to sublease. I’m not even going to bother.”

A standard lease generally lasts for 12 months and runs from August to August.

“Students need to understand, if they sign a 12-month lease, they should expect to have to pay rent for 12 months,” Patt said. “If they can find someone to sublease for the summer, fantastic, but they should assume they probably won’t.”

Students wanting to sublet are responsible for finding their own subtenant.

“The landlord doesn’t provide the service of finding sub-leasers,” Patt said. “It’s up to the tenant to find someone to take over.”

Many landlords also offer the option of signing a nine-and-a-half-month lease, which would expire May 31. A shorter rental period, however, comes with an increase in rent of approximately 20 percent, Jay said.

Jay said a smaller percentage of students take this option due to the expense.

“Also, students may choose to use their apartment periodically over summer,” he said.

Because the original tenant is usually willing to make partial payments as an incentive, summer subleasing rates are generally reduced in price. The Tenant Handbook, prepared by the Tenant Union, advises that subtenants make sure this is made clear in the lease.

Mason is one tenant who has offered to reduce her rent to a subtenant.

“I think I’m offering a good price,” she said. “And I’m still going to be paying the utilities.”

The best way to find a subtenant is a classified ad, Patt said, though the Tenant Handbook says that other options are worth pursuing.

If students do find someone to sublet over summer, Patt recommends that they sign a lease with the landlord.

“It’s always more secure to get it in writing,” Patt said.

Jay agreed.

“It is better for both people involved if the paperwork is done through the office,” he said.

Some students choose to sublease privately – something Patt warns against.

“If they care about not losing their money and their apartment, then they should get a lease signed and keep photocopies,” she said.