Sublets
What's the difference between a sublet and a lease takeover?
Updated By the Housing Rocket moderators
Short answer
In a sublet, you keep your lease and rent your place to someone temporarily, so you stay responsible. In a lease takeover, or assignment, someone replaces you on the lease for the rest of the term, and with the landlord's approval you are usually released. If you are leaving for good, a takeover is normally better.
The key question is who the landlord can come after if something goes wrong.
- Sublet: you remain the tenant. Unpaid rent or damage by the subtenant is your problem. Good for temporary absences where you are coming back.
- Assignment or takeover: the new person takes over the lease. If the landlord formally releases you, you are off the hook from that date. Good when you are moving away.
- Assignment without release: some landlords accept a new tenant but keep the original one liable as a backstop. Read the paperwork to see which you are signing.
Landlords usually screen someone taking over a lease just like any new applicant, since that person becomes their tenant. Expect an application, income checks and sometimes a fee.
If you are the one taking over, find out how much of the deposit you are inheriting, the condition the unit was in at the original move-in, and when the lease ends and at what rent it renews. Other ways to get out of a lease early are covered in leases and deposits.
Want the whole picture? Read How to Find a Sublet or Roommate on Facebook Safely.