Sublease Legal Meaning and Definition

Here is a simplified definition of the legal term Sublease.

Sublease (noun)

A sublease is an arrangement where a tenant, who has rented a property from a landlord, decides to lease part or all of that property to a third person. The original tenant, now acting as the sublessor, retains responsibility for ensuring rent payments and other related charges are paid to the landlord, and also takes responsibility for any damages caused by the sub-tenant. It should be noted that the sublessor's agreement is with the original tenant, not the landlord. Many landlords discourage subleasing by including prohibitions in the original lease agreement.