Leases are rental contracts between a landlord and renter/tenant. Subleases are rental contracts between a renter and a different renter, or sublessee.
There are a few key differences between leases and subleases, which make leases appeal to certain people and subleases appeal to others.
When looking for an apartment and deciding whether to sublease, consider these factors:
- Duration: subleases are usually only for a few months, whereas leases are generally for an entire year.
- Price: subleases are often cheaper than the rental price in the original lease because renter wants to find someone.
- Furnished: subleases are almost always furnished with the renter’s belongings. Some leases come furnished.
- Obligations: a lease requires the renter to pay the landlord. A sublease requires the sublessee to pay the renter. If rent is not paid, the landlord cannot come after the sublessee. In this way, subleases are less risky.
