Informal lease for sublet?

[zedbran]

A friend of a friend has offered me their apartment to rent while they are away overseas for several months. They are leasing the apartment and therefore I would be subletting from them. They want me to pay one months rent as a deposit and then pay rent month by month.

I'm just wondering how I can cover myself to ensure they don't run off with my deposit, or if there is some major damage that I don't get screwed over. I assume this kind of arrangement isn't completely legal but if I write up some kind of simple contract is that something that can help me to recover the deposit in case of problems?

thanks!

[Sage]

A friend of a friend has offered me their apartment to rent while they are away overseas for several months. They are leasing the apartment and therefore I would be subletting from them. They want me to pay one months rent as a deposit and then pay rent month by month.

I'm just wondering how I can cover myself to ensure they don't run off with my deposit, or if there is some major damage that I don't get screwed over. I assume this kind of arrangement isn't completely legal but if I write up some kind of simple contract is that something that can help me to recover the deposit in case of problems?

thanks!

I would:

1) detail your arrangement in whatsapp
2) Make sure you see his tenancy contract to be sure of the term of his lease.
3) Pay 1 month deposit
4) when you're gonna move out, don't pay the last month's rent so you're quits, but ensure you cover/repair any damage you do.