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

State laws limiting the interest rate that can be charged to individuals borrowing money in that state. These laws affect all lenders in a state regardless of what federal or state agency ...

Main street having a divider either in the center or between the curb and sidewalk with trees, grass, or other shrubbery. ...

Federal agency providing home financing to qualified people in low-income, rural areas. ...

Undeniably, some terms can make your head spin if you dive into real estate for the first time. Today, we’re breaking down a key term: Realtor Associate. It sounds official, ...

The meaning of an undisclosed principal in everyday use often refers to a confidential client who intends to keep their identity hidden. Typically, this individual remains in the background ...

Contract to act on the behalf of a principal in selling real estate. The principal agrees to pay a commission to the broker when a buyer is produced who is ready, willing, and able to meet ...

member of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, Inc. ...

Representation on a flat surface of any region that depicts the elevation of that region. ...

generic name of the form used to file taxes payable to a federal, state, or local government. The tax return includes items such as gross income, deductions, tax credits, and tax due. ...

Popular Real Estate Questions