Subletting your apartment is a great option, if you can't get out of your lease and need to move, are going on an extended vacation, or even if your roommate is moving out and you need someone to take her place.

Write up a concise, detailed list with the facts about you and your apartment on it. Post a classified ad and advertise using flyers posted in your neighborhood. Include pictures. They say 1000 words, right? That's more you don't have to do!

Once you've enticed some potential roomies and scheduled visits, it's a good idea to have a copy of your lease around, in case anyone asks to see it.

Speaking of lease agreements, it's also a good idea to prepare a sublease agreement, which states the amount of rent, security deposit, length of the sublease, amount of notification required before canceling the sublease, payment methods and due date. Definitely make sure it gets signed and dated by both you and the sub lessee.

Trust your instincts. You'll know whether or not you and any potential sub lessees will get along as roommates. Help their instincts about living with you by cleaning up your apartment and being a gracious host. Be honest about any problems, but balance any negatives by being honest about all the fantastic reasons to live with you.