Find a Craigslist Sublet

Craigslist is a resource unique to the technological age, one that elicits our deepest anxieties and curiosities, but also one indespensible to anyone looking for housing. It can be daunting to check the Craigslist housing listings every day, especially if you are in a big city like New York, but there are easy ways to spot the situations you don't want to be in. In the end, finding an affordable sublet and possibly new roommates who could become close friends, is worth the work.

Take advantage of the filter option on Craigslist to filter your search. Search within your price range, but always include the lower end of the price spectrum as well. So, instead of $0-$800 write in $550-$800, that way, you will eliminate the short-term housing posts that spam the long-term boards. If you are familiar with the area you are moving in to, specify neighborhoods you like and that you feel safe in. If you can afford to live somewhere you like, it is worth the extra money.

If you are unfamiliar with the area you are moving in to, do a quick google search to see what others say about various parts of town. Use reviewing sites like Yelp, as reviews of local businesses usually include some hint as to what kind of neighborhood it is in. Once you've filtered your searches, it's time to start reading through the posts.

Avoid Craigslist listings with fancy titles that are in all caps or promise something too good to be true (because it usually is). Remember to stay realistic, there is no way you can find a beautiful sublet in the East Village for $450--always be careful of scams.

Within the post itself, look for a relatively well-written description. Posts which are too short are generally no good; the person who is subleasing should put in enough effort to include basic details about the apartment and also about themselves, if they will be the roommate. Look for good grammar and attention-to-detail.

Bookmark the Craigslist listings that sound good to you, and draft a generic response. Say you are looking for a sublet, and that the one described in their post seems to suit your needs. Ask if you can schedule a time to see the place. If you have specific questions, add them. If there is something that can make you more appealing, like a common interest or profession, mention it in your email. Leave a phone number or email address, especially if the person's Craigslist listing did the same. If they didn't give any personal contact information and you feel uncomfortable divulging your own, wait for a response email before giving more information out.

When you are visiting the apartment and the neighborhood is giving you a bad vibe, or the sitution is uncomfortable, make up an excuse and leave. When someone posts on Craigslist, even for legitimate reasons, they expect a certain number of no-shows, so don't feel bad about it. Don't take it personally because at this point, it's all business.

When you've seen a few apartments you like, keep them stalling a little bit so you can have time to think it over and maybe look at more rooms. If you are interested, definitely tell them you are, and follow-up with a thank you email. Using these tips, I've met amazing people and wonderful, affordable sublets through Craigslist. With a little effort, it can be done!