Subletting: meaning, definitions and examples

Subletting is used when someone who is already renting a property rents it out to another person. This term is common when the original tenant cannot stay in the property but does not want to break their lease agreement.

• She's subletting her apartment for the summer while she's working abroad.
• Subletting can be a good option if you need to move out temporarily.

Sublease is a formal term for subletting, highlighting the secondary rental agreement between the original tenant and the new tenant. This term is often seen in legal documents and contracts.

• He signed a sublease agreement with someone who wanted the apartment for a few months.
• The terms of the sublease required approval from the landlord.

Rent out is a versatile term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts when an individual or owner allows someone else to use their property in exchange for payment.

• She's planning to rent out her extra room to cover some expenses.
• They rent out their vacation home when they're not using it.

Lease out is appropriate when referring to the act of renting property to someone, generally used by property owners or landlords. The term implies a formal or long-term rental agreement.

• They decided to lease out their house while they were posted overseas.
• He plans to lease out his commercial space to a new business owner.