Sublet

Sublet, or sublease, is a rental arrangement in which a tenant rents out all or part of a leased property to a subtenant while remaining bound by the original lease with the landlord. The subtenant signs a sublease with the tenant; the landlord remains a party to the underlying lease.

Consent is typically required. Many leases prohibit subletting or require written approval from the landlord. Subletting without consent can breach the lease and expose the tenant to eviction or loss of the right to sublet.

Terms of a sublease usually cover duration, rent, security deposit handling, utilities, maintenance, and house rules. The subtenant pays rent to the original tenant, who then remains responsible for paying the landlord and for any damages or lease compliance.

Liability and rights: because the original tenant remains liable to the landlord, failures by the subtenant to pay rent or to damage the property can still lead to eviction or claims against the tenant. The subtenant generally has no direct rights against the landlord unless an assignment or direct agreement exists.

Compared with assignment, a sublet keeps the original tenant on the lease while transferring occupancy. An assignment transfers the lease itself, potentially releasing the original tenant from obligations, subject to landlord consent. Clear written terms help prevent disputes and clarify responsibilities for rent, deposits, and remedies if issues arise.