Subletting, also known as subleasing, is when a tenant rents out their room or apartment to someone else for a period of the lease. In other words, subletting involves creating a lease agreement under which a tenant rents out their apartment to another individual while their name is still on the lease. The new person, known as the subletter, replaces someone who is moving out. Subletting is often used when a tenant needs to move and doesnt want to pay the penalty of breaking their lease, or when they want to add someone new to a lease.

Subletting can be risky, as it comes with the same risks as taking on a roommate, except both people wont be there to deal with problems as they arise. If a tenants subletter skips town or damages the apartment, the tenant is jointly and severally liable with them and could get stuck with the bill. If you are the new person moving in (subletter), it can feel just like a regular rental, except the person you might have the most contact with is both a tenant and (kind of) a landlord.

Before subletting, it is important to check the lease agreement to see if it contains any information about subletting. If it doesnt, you should still check with your landlord. If subletting is allowed, it is essential to follow the correct subletting guidelines to avoid violating the lease terms and facing financial consequences.