I live in a multi-story apartment building with a very conscientious, responsible Super. I have been told by my management company that I am not allowed to sublet my apartment however I have heard that in NYC many people go ahead and do it anyway, without notifying the leasing company. I read something from this site explaining the long process of legally appealing and asking for permission to sublet, but I really think my management company would come up with "reasonable" cause to deny my request. So, here are my questions:
1) What would be "reasonable" cause to deny a sublet request when the lease explicitly states no subletting allowed?
2) What Could be the consequences to me if I were caught illegally subletting my apartment?
3) What if I told them the person was a friend (which it would be in reality) staying in my apartment while I'm away and the rent checks continue to come from me? Wouldn't this be akin to taking a roommate and therefore, legal, even if I'm away a lot of the time they're there? Is there anything that prevents me from allowing a friend to stay in my place for 1 to 2 months when I'm not there?
I'm just really worried that a) the super will notice and b) it will put him in a very uncomfortable position which I don't want to do.
I would appreciate your suggestions on this. Thanks so much.