Subletting: Lega? Illegal? (sublet, apartment, lease)

[alexlea]

Hi guys,

I have two questions. I'm moving to NYC in July, and I've been approached by two people who want to sublet a room in their apartment/condo.
1. Condo in Weehawken, NJ
The lady who wants to sublet a room to me actually owns the condo. I will just be renting one room in her condo; she's still going to live there with me. Is she legally entitled to sublet a room to anyone she wants since she owns the place?
2. An apartment in Manhattan
Two people are looking for a third person. They've been living there for a while, but their third person is moving out next month, so they are looking for a new roommate. Is this legal? How can they make it legal? Do they have to contact the landlord/management company, write a letter, get their permission, and all that jazz? Or are they allowed to sublet a room since it's not the whole apartment.

Could you please help me? Any input will be greatly appreciated!!

[Viralmd]

What the codo woman does is really in the house rules for the condo. You'd have to actually ask some questions about the lease for the Manhattan apartment - in whose name is it? What was the arrangement for security depostis, etc. Ask to see the lease!

[ANAPA]

I agree. If it is againt policy and you're caught you and the person who has posession of the apartment will find yourselves looking for a new place to live.

[Cece77]

It is correct that each instance depends on the particular situation. However, both circumstances sound legitimate. A condo owner, in particular, has a great deal of leeway. The Manhattan situation sounds like a typical young person set-up. You cannot expect them to necessarily show you the lease, but you can certainly ask - and, indeed, you should start asking every possible question. Ask not just about legality but anything else you can think of - how far is public transportation? is there a building superintendant?