Sublet vs. Relet — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 17, 2024
Sublet involves renting out a leased property by the original tenant to a new tenant, while relet means leasing the property again, typically after the original lease ends.
Difference Between Sublet and Relet
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Sublet refers to the act of a tenant renting out their leased property to another person for a portion of the lease term. This process allows the original tenant to temporarily transfer their rental responsibilities to the subtenant. Relet, on the other hand, occurs when the property owner or landlord leases the property to a new tenant after the original lease term has ended or the previous tenant has vacated.
In a sublet, the original tenant remains responsible to the landlord for the lease obligations, even though a subtenant occupies the property. The subtenant pays rent to the original tenant, who in turn pays the landlord. Relet, conversely, establishes a direct lease agreement between the landlord and the new tenant, with no intermediary tenant involved.
Subletting is often used when the original tenant needs to leave temporarily but plans to return, allowing them to maintain their lease. Reletting is utilized when the landlord needs to find a new tenant for a vacated property, typically after the lease term has fully expired or the tenant has permanently left.
Subletting can complicate legal and financial responsibilities, as both the original tenant and the subtenant are involved, whereas reletting simplifies the process with a new direct lease agreement between the landlord and the new tenant.
From the perspective of landlords, subletting might be less preferable due to the additional layer of responsibility and potential complications, whereas reletting offers a fresh start with a new tenant, often resetting the terms and conditions of the lease.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Renting by original tenant to a new tenant
Leasing again by the landlord to a new tenant
Involvement
Original tenant, subtenant, landlord
Landlord, new tenant
Responsibility
Original tenant remains responsible to landlord
New tenant assumes full responsibility
Usage Scenario
Temporary absence of original tenant
End of original lease or tenant's permanent departure
Legal Complexity
More complex, involves three parties
Simpler, involves two parties
Compare with Definitions
Sublet
Temporary rental agreement made by an existing tenant.
During her internship, she chose to sublet her room.
Relet
New rental agreement with a different tenant.
She prepared to relet her condo following the previous lease's expiration.
Sublet
Lease transfer from tenant to a subtenant for a limited period.
He found someone to sublet his place for the summer.
Relet
Process of finding a new tenant post-lease.
The relet process began as soon as the old tenant vacated.
Sublet
Agreement where the tenant becomes a landlord.
Subletting allowed her to cover the rent while she was away.
Relet
Leasing anew, usually after the property is empty.
The company opted to relet the warehouse starting next month.
Sublet
Arrangement made under the original lease's terms.
The lease permitted subletting with the landlord's approval.
Relet
Leasing property again after the original lease ends.
The landlord needed to relet the apartment after the tenant moved out.
Sublet
Renting property by a tenant to another person.
Jane decided to sublet her apartment while she traveled abroad.
Relet
Direct lease between landlord and new tenant.
They chose to relet the office space once it became vacant.
Sublet
Lease (a property) to a subtenant
I quit my job and sublet my apartment
Relet
To let a property again
Sublet
A lease of a property by a tenant to a subtenant.
Relet
A property that has been let again
Sublet
To rent (property) from one who is a lessee rather than the owner.
Sublet
To rent (property one holds by lease) to another.
Sublet
To subcontract (work).
Sublet
To rent property from one who is a lessee rather than the owner.
Sublet
To rent property one holds by lease to another.
Sublet
To be available for rent by a tenant to another party
This apartment sublets for $1,500 a month.
Sublet
Property, especially an apartment, rented by a tenant to another party.
Sublet
To grant a sublease out of property held under a lease.
Sublet
Synonym of sublease.
Sublet
To underlet; to lease, as when a lessee leases to another person.
Sublet
A lease from one lessee to another
Sublet
Lease or rent all or part of (a leased or rented property) to another person;
We sublet our apartment over the summer
Common Curiosities
What does relet mean?
Relet refers to leasing the property again by the landlord to a new tenant after the previous lease ends.
What is the main advantage of subletting for the original tenant?
It allows them to maintain their lease while being away and cover rental costs.
Who signs the lease in a relet?
In a relet, the new tenant signs a direct lease agreement with the landlord.
What does sublet mean?
Sublet means renting out a leased property by the original tenant to a new tenant.
Is reletting simpler than subletting?
Yes, reletting is generally simpler as it involves a new lease between the landlord and the new tenant directly.
Who is responsible in a sublet?
The original tenant remains responsible to the landlord for the lease obligations.
Can a tenant sublet without landlord permission?
Usually, subletting requires the landlord's permission as per the lease agreement.
What is the main advantage of reletting for landlords?
It offers a fresh lease agreement with a new tenant, often resetting lease terms.
Is subletting common?
Subletting is common among tenants who need to leave temporarily but plan to return.
Does subletting involve a direct relationship with the landlord?
No, the subtenant typically pays rent to the original tenant, not directly to the landlord.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
