Sublease agreement — free template
A sublease agreement lets a current tenant legally rent out the property — or a room within it — to a subtenant for part or all of the remaining lease term, with the landlord's consent.
When you need a sublease agreement
- You're leaving town for several months and want to cover the rent.
- You have a spare room and want to add a roommate mid-lease.
- A roommate is moving out and someone else is taking their share.
What a sublease should include
Names of sublessor and subtenant, the original lease reference, the portion of the premises being subleased, the sublease term, the rent and how it is paid, the security deposit, who pays utilities, and a clause confirming the landlord has approved the sublease in writing.
FAQs
What is a sublease agreement?
A sublease agreement is a contract where the original tenant (the "sublessor") rents all or part of the leased premises to another person (the "subtenant") for a portion of the remaining term. The sublessor remains responsible to the original landlord.
Do I need landlord permission to sublease?
Almost always yes. Most leases require written landlord consent before subletting. Subletting without permission is grounds for eviction in most US states.
Is a sublease agreement legally binding?
Yes. A signed sublease creates a legally binding contract between the sublessor and the subtenant, but it does not change the obligations of the original lease — the original tenant still owes rent to the landlord.