A subtenant isn’t a furry friend or a wild child — it’s someone different entirely.
A subtenant is someone who leases a rental unit from a primary tenant. The primary tenant typically has an agreement with the property owner or manager, while a subtenant rents directly from the main tenant.
Can primary tenants and subtenants live in the unit simultaneously?
Subleasing an apartment doesn’t always mean you aren’t living in the unit with the subtenant. In fact, many sublease agreements are for a spare room or rooms in the unit and don’t include the entire unit. Some subleases do grant the entire unit solely to the subtenant, but that’s not the case exclusively.
Reasons for having a subtenant
There are several benefits to subleasing. Some of the benefits of having a subtenant include:
- Help paying the rent
- Allows you to move on before your lease is complete
- Increased safety when you’re away from the unit
- Helps build your rental history — even if you aren’t living there
Is it legal to rent to a subtenant?
Renting to a subtenant is generally allowed. The exception to this is when it’s explicitly prohibited in your lease agreement. Your lease holds all the guidelines for renting from the property owner of your unit, and it’s generally very detailed. Read it carefully before you decide to rent to a subtenant. If you’re ever unsure about the terms of your lease, it’s best to contact the property owner to clarify before making any big decisions.
Additional resources:
- What is an Apartment Sublease?
- How to Write a Sublease Agreement
- Sample Letter: Requesting Permission to Sublease
- What Does the Fine Print in Your Lease Mean?
- Common Terms and Policies to Help You Understand a Rental Lease Agreement
