Some tenants are able to sublease their rental units furnished, providing them with summer furniture storage and making the unit more marketable at a time when supply is much higher than demand. A person chooses to become a subleasee because a sublease often meets the tenant s needs by offering a shorter lease term, furnished unit, reduced rent, and more negotiable terms. A person also chooses to sublease a unit when he or she has already signed a lease with the landlord for a term beginning in the fall or because he or she hopes the landlord will offer such a lease. The original tenant, or subleasor, becomes, in effect, a landlord to the new tenant. The subleasor is responsible for providing the new tenant, or subleasee, with a healthy, safe, and suitable living environment.
Most leases make the landlord s written permission a prerequisite for subleasing.
Such a requirement also implies the landlord will not unreasonably deny a subleasee and will not, in absence of a clause stating otherwise, charge an additional fee for giving permission to sublease. The subleasee promises to take on certain responsibilities in exchange for the right to use the dwelling unit. Avoiding Problems Subleasors can avoid problems by taking a number of precautions. Ask for references. Confirm all subleasees with the landlord.