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

The units are used as commercial offices. The purchaser of an office condominium owns the title to the individual office unit and not to the property. Maintenance fees are assessed to each ...

House designed and zoned for one-family use. Other dwellings may be attached to a single family dwelling, but do not share the same plumbing, heating, or electrical system. Single family ...

report containing financial information about a business or individual. The required financial statements for a real estate company are balance sheet, income statement, and statement of ...

Cash payment to a lender so as to lower the interest rate on a loan a borrower must incur. The lower rate may apply for all or a part of the loan term. ...

Cubic unit of measure for a board one-foot long, one-foot wide and one inch thick, or 144 cubic inches. These measurements are not actual, since they are stated prior to finishing and ...

Act of being a conservator. ...

Wondering what is the baseboard definition? Baseboard is a detail piece placed at the spot where the floor meets the wall. Typically made out of wood, vinyl or PVC plastic, the baseboard ...

The definition of adjoining properties describes two or more real estate properties, lots, or parcels that shared a boundary. A property that shares a common border with another is ...

An administrator appointed by the government or the courts to administer the laws relating to a government agency or court. A commissioner is a part of a government or court commission. ...

Popular Real Estate Questions