Sample Tenant Letter Requesting Landlord Permission to Sublet

Get your landlord’s written okay before subletting your rental unit.

By Marcia Stewart , Legal Editor

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Planning to have someone sublet your apartment or rental house for the summer or another short period of time? Avoid hassles with your landlord (and possible termination of your tenancy if your lease or rental agreement prohibits sublets), by getting your landlord's permission in writing. Use this letter as a sample in preparing your own request to sublet. Include information on the proposed subtenant (along with a copy of his or her credit report). If you are just starting to look for someone to sublet your place, edit your letter to reassure your landlord that you are seeking candidates with good references and credit. Be sure to keep a copy of your letter or email (and the landlord's response) in your files. Ideally, you, your landlord, and your subtenant (the person subletting) will sign a separate sublet agreement, such as the Nolo form included on this site.

Sample Tenant Letter to Landlord Requesting Permission to Sublet

401B Spruce Street
Chicago, Illinois 00000 April 11, 20yy Anna Lopez
Lopez Realty
55 Maple Lane
Chicago, Illinois 00000 Dear Ms. Lopez I currently live at the above address, under a lease we signed 18 months ago. I have a great opportunity to travel abroad this summer, and I would like your permission to sublet my apartment while I am gone (June 25 through August 25). I have lined up a long-time friend and excellent candidate for the sublet: Will Levine. Will is a graduate student at the U of C and can provide excellent references. I've attached a recent copy of Will's credit report and he is happy to provide any other information you would like. I understand that I will remain responsible for paying the rent and for all the terms of our lease during the period I will be out of the country, and that Will will have no independent rights to the apartment. I hope to hear from you soon regarding this request and any additional information you would like. Sincerely, James Blake
[email protected]
312-555-1212