Reletting

Reletting, also known as subletting or subleasing, is a practice where a tenant rents out all or part of their rented property to another party, who becomes a subtenant. This is typically done with the permission of the original landlord. The original tenant, or "master tenant," remains responsible for the lease agreement with the landlord, even though they are not the primary occupant. The subtenant pays rent to the master tenant, who in turn pays the landlord.

The terms and conditions of reletting are usually governed by the original lease agreement between the landlord and the master tenant. Many leases contain clauses that either prohibit reletting entirely, allow it only with explicit written consent from the landlord, or permit it under specific circumstances. It is crucial for tenants to review their lease carefully and communicate with their landlord before entering into any reletting arrangement to avoid violating their lease terms.

Reletting can serve various purposes. It can allow a tenant to recoup some of their rent costs if they need to be away for an extended period, such as for work or travel, while still maintaining their primary residence. It can also be a way for tenants to find roommates or to exit a lease early without penalty, although this often requires landlord approval. For landlords, reletting can lead to potential issues with tenant turnover, property management, and ensuring consistent rent payments. Understanding the legal implications and contractual obligations is essential for all parties involved in a reletting agreement.