Why students get stuck
Student leases are typically 12 months and often start in August, while plans change on a different schedule: you graduate in December, a program abroad starts in the spring, or you transfer. The lease doesn't care.
If your lease is joint with roommates, check who is responsible if you leave. Some are individual leases and others make every roommate responsible for the whole rent.
What to do, by situation
| Situation | Best first move | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Graduating early or in the middle of the lease | Ask the property for its takeover or relet process now, then line up a replacement | Fees, and a cutoff date for takeovers |
| Studying abroad for a semester or a year | If you're not coming back to the unit, do a takeover. If you are, a sublease keeps your place | A sublease leaves you responsible to the landlord |
| Transferring schools | Start the moment you know. A takeover is cleaner than an empty apartment | Roommates who may be on the hook for your share |
| A summer internship or job elsewhere | A sublease for a few months, or a takeover if the job leads somewhere new | Short-term subleasing rules in your lease |
A timeline that works
- Three months out: read the lease and ask the landlord about assignment, sublease and relet rules and fees.
- Two months out: start looking for a replacement. Other students and interns look for housing at predictable times, especially before the fall and summer.
- One month out: get the replacement approved by the property and the paperwork signed.
- Move-out day: get written confirmation that you're released, and document the unit's condition.
How Dryft helps students
Dryft finds a replacement tenant so you don't have to post and screen strangers yourself. Your agent sources incoming tenants, and they apply directly to your property. If Dryft doesn't find a replacement tenant, you get your money back: you can request a full refund for any reason until the incoming tenant signs the official lease.
Frequently asked questions
Can I break my lease because I'm graduating?
It's usually not a legal reason to end a lease, so you remain responsible unless the landlord releases you or a replacement tenant takes over. Many students solve it with a lease takeover.
Can I break my lease to study abroad?
Studying abroad is generally not grounds to end a fixed-term lease. Your options are a lease takeover if you won't return to the unit, or a sublease if you will, with your landlord's permission.
What if my roommates stay and I leave?
It depends whether your lease is joint or individual. On a joint lease, your roommates and you may all be responsible for the full rent, so tell them early and ask the landlord how a replacement would be handled.
When should I start looking for someone to take my lease?
Two to three months before you need to leave. Students and interns often look for housing ahead of the fall term and summer.
Can anyone use Dryft?
Search for your property on the quote page to see your price. The move-out date has to be at least 31 days away, and the program is only available for move-outs before a cutoff date for your property, which the quote tool shows you.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws and lease terms vary, so check your own lease and talk to a lawyer or a tenant rights organization about your situation.