What does sublet mean?
Sublet means to rent out a property that one is already renting, often temporarily and usually for less than the remaining term of the original lease. The person subletting remains responsible to the landlord unless the agreement says otherwise, while the person receiving the property is the subtenant. The term can also be used when renting from someone who is not the property owner, although this is sometimes called taking a sublease. Sublet is especially associated with students, temporary workers, people travelling for extended periods, and owners who need additional income. Its legal implications depend on the original lease and local law, so written permission from the landlord may be required.
To rent out a property that one is leasing from a landlord, or to rent such a property from another tenant.
"The company sublets offices that are temporarily unused."
Transitive uses commonly take an object such as 'sublet an apartment'; the preposition 'to' may identify the person receiving the property.
An arrangement or sublease in which a property is rented by someone who is not the landlord.
"The apartment is available through a sublet for the rest of the year."
Less common than the verb; the plural is 'sublets'.
Used for separate sublease arrangements or properties offered through subleases.
"They listed several sublets online before moving abroad."
Subletting turns a temporary tenant into a temporary landlord.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sublet come from?
Sublet combines the prefix sub-, meaning under or beneath, with let, the verb meaning to rent. The verb let comes from Old English lætan, meaning to allow or permit, and acquired its rental sense in the Middle English period. The compound reflects the idea of letting a property to someone else while one's own lease remains in effect.
Related word forms
How sublet is actually used
Common in North American English and increasingly used in British English. The arrangement usually requires the landlord's consent and may be subject to local tenancy laws or building rules.
Easily confused with sublet
A sublet is the act or arrangement of renting out a property one does not own, while a sublease is the resulting lease or agreement itself.
Subletting names the activity of renting out a property that you are currently leasing, whereas a sublet can refer to the arrangement or the person receiving the property.