Rental Sublease
Unless a landlord permits subleasing under a tenant's lease terms, a tenant may pursue a rental sublease, though a landlord must usually still be notified and agree to give consent to the sublease. A landlord may ask for additional information before allowing a sublease, and a credit check or background check may be obtained to determine the landlord's risk in allowing the sublease. Regardless of whether a landlord approves or denies a sublease, the original rental tenant is still responsible for the terms of their lease. If a sublease is approved, the original tenant then collects rent from the subtenant, and uses the funds collected to pay rent to the landlord. In some cases, a tenant may charge less than the original rental price for a sublease, and personally pay the remainder. In other cases, often when a rental sublease includes furnishings and other household items, a tenant may charge more than the original rental price.
Fast Facts
- In mid 2009, the median price for a sublet in Detroit, MI was $525.
- New York law states that a subtenant in a furnished rent stabilized property may not be charged more than the stabilized rent, plus a 10% surcharge.




