Definition of "Sublease"

Pam  Gabriel real estate agent

Written by

Pam Gabrielelite badge icon

RE/MAX Lakefront Realty Inc

If you came here looking for the Sublease definition, chances are that you know what it means, but you need more information about it, with scenarios and facts to better grasp it. That’s why we’re here!

The obvious and stiff sublease definition is that of a lease agreement between the lessee of an original lease, and a new lessee. For example: John signs a lease for an apartment with its owner Brian that allows John to sublease it to another person if desired. John unexpectedly is offered a position in Europe and, whether out of fear of not liking it and deciding to get back or because his bilateral contract with Brian would require him to pay off a large early termination fee he is not willing to pay – John decides to sublease the apartment for the remaining term of the original lease to a friend called Regina.

The thing is: the sublease represents the agreement between John and Regina. Brian, the original lessor, is *not* a party to the sublease. Any dispute between owner Brian and lessee John typically cannot be passed on to lessee Regina, just like any dispute between Regina and John cannot be passed on to its owner Brian. Because of that confusion and lack of accountability, most renters frown upon and do not accept any subleases to their properties.

A sublease is not illegal. Actually; it’s not a matter of being legal or illegal – it’s up to whoever is the real estate owner to tell them how their home is to be used. However, because of shared responsibilities, there are some cases where, even if the homeowner is fine with a sublease, he or she might not go forward with the idea because the Homeowner’s Association (HOA) does not permit subleasing – typically over claims that the lack of accountability and control that subleases provide produces instability, lack of safety, and, ultimately, devalues the properties within the Homeowner’s Association.

Real Estate tips:

How about that sublease definition? Now you got a better grasp at it, right? We’ll bet you a real estate agent can bring even more insight into that; contact one now!

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Real Estate Terms

Person or entity that has title or a right to something which is typically being held. Examples are real property, corporation, and personal property. Ownership of property may be held by ...

Incontrovertible reality forcing a judge in a trial to find evidence to the contrary unsupportable. ...

Past action of a property owner or tenant. ...

Suppose you are a house hunter, buyer, seller, realtor, or investor. In that case, you've probably come across the term "Gross Rent Multiplier" or GRM. But what exactly is it? Let's shed ...

A lease contract to possess a parcel or property for a certain period of time. A leased fee estate is a conditional estate conveyance in real property for a specified period of time. The ...

Received immediately when an investment is made or contract signed. For example, a real estate limited partnership may require that an investor pay a 3% sale fee at the time of initial ...

The meaning of undue influence revolves around a control one individual can exert upon another to persuade them to do something that won’t be beneficial for the influenced party. ...

A corporation that owns housing units and whose tenants purchase shares in the corporation equivalent to the value of their housing unit. Also called co-ops. ...

Also called an installment sales contract or contract foe feed. A type of creative financing in real estate allowing the seller to finance a buyer by allowing him or her to make a down ...

Popular Real Estate Questions