Your safety matters
Subletting Safely
SubletBuff connects renters and listers — we don't manage payments, sign leases, or resolve disputes. Use these guidelines to protect yourself every step of the way.
SubletBuff is a listing platform, not a lease manager. We connect renters and listers but are not a party to any rental agreement, payment, or dispute. All transactions are between you and the other party directly.
Meet in a Public Place First
Before exchanging keys, payment, or signing anything, meet the other party in a well-lit, public space — a café, the UMC, or another campus building. Trust your instincts: if something feels off, it's okay to walk away.
Do
- Meet on or near campus for the first showing
- Bring a friend if you can
- Video-call before an in-person meeting if you're coming from out of town
Avoid
- Never wire money to someone you've never met
- Don't hand over keys before receiving payment
Use Traceable Payments
Cash is impossible to recover if something goes wrong. Use payment methods that create a paper trail — Venmo, Zelle, a personal check, or a bank transfer. Screenshot your transaction confirmations.
Do
- Venmo, Zelle, or PayPal (goods & services for extra protection)
- Personal or certified check with a written receipt
- Bank transfer with a clear memo
Avoid
- Never pay in cash with no receipt
- Avoid gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency — these are common scam methods
- Never pay a full month's rent before signing anything
Get It in Writing
A handshake deal is not enforceable. A signed sublease agreement protects both parties and clearly spells out rent, dates, deposit terms, and house rules.
Do
- Sign a written sublease agreement before moving in
- Include rent amount, move-in and move-out dates, and deposit terms
- Both parties should keep a signed copy
- Document the condition of the unit with photos on move-in day
Avoid
- Don't move in without a signed agreement
- Don't rely on text messages or DMs as a contract
Verify Before You Commit
Scammers sometimes list properties they don't own. Always verify that the person you're dealing with actually has the right to sublet the space.
Do
- Ask to see a copy of the primary lease (name should match)
- Do a quick Google Maps check of the address
- Trust listings with the Lease Verified badge — those have been reviewed
- If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is
Avoid
- Don't send deposits without verifying identity and lease rights
- Be skeptical of anyone who can't meet in person or video call
What SubletBuff does — and doesn't do
SubletBuff is a listing platform. We help people find each other — that's it. We review listings for quality, but we do not verify every identity, mediate disputes, manage payments, hold deposits, or enforce lease terms.
Any agreement you reach with a lister or renter is between the two of you directly. SubletBuff is not a party to that agreement and has no liability for transactions, damages, or disputes that arise from it.
If you experience fraud or feel unsafe, contact local authorities and your bank immediately.
Helpful Resources
If you ever feel unsafe, trust your instincts and contact local authorities.
Questions about a listing or suspicious activity?
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