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Laws About Subletting

A legal sublet generally means that the landlord has consented to it. In some jurisdictions, you do not need to get landlord consent if your lease does not require it.


Across jurisdictions, many lease agreements include a standard term for sublets and assignments saying that a tenant can sublet—as long as they get approval from the landlord. Most landlords will give a tenant the green light if presented with a qualified renter and a sublease agreement.

That said, there are some state-by-state (and even city-by-city) differences. For example, in New York and Chicago tenants have the absolute right to sublet, even if they are refused or ignored by their landlord. Alternatively, states like Texas have laws prohibiting subletting without a landlord's explicit consent.

Select your state from the dropdown above find out which laws affect you.

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice.