Sublease Agreement Template
This generic sublease agreement template is created for sub-lessors (original tenants) and sub-tenants, so as to help them establish a clear understanding of their rights and obligations before one party leases to another under an existing lease. It outlines essential details such as rent amount, payment schedule, sub-lease duration, maintenance duties, permitted use, and property rules. When drafted by legal tech software like Wansom AI, this template will help you:
Generate a legally sound sublease agreement tailored to your specific premises and jurisdiction
Clearly define the relationship between the original tenant (sub-lessor) and the sub-tenant in alignment with the master lease
Avoid potential legal and financial risk by mirroring key obligations from the head lease
Save time with automated document creation and downloadable, editable formats
What Is a Sublease Agreement?
A sublease agreement is a contract by which an existing tenant (the sub-lessor) leases all or part of their leased premises to a new tenant (the sub-tenant), while the original lease (the master lease) remains in force between the landlord and original tenant. The sub-lessor retains their obligations under the master lease but grants permission to the sub-tenant to occupy the premises under defined terms.
In commercial real estate this is quite common: for example a business leases a large office and has unused space so they sub-lease part of it to another business. Or a tenant relocates but still holds a lease that they cannot immediately terminate so they sub-let. The sublease becomes a bridge arrangement.
One key point: the master lease may prohibit subleasing or may require the landlord’s consent. Without satisfying the head lease’s requirements, the sublease can be invalid.
Why a Sublease Agreement Matters
Why not just shake hands and let someone move in? Because in commercial or complex property arrangements, lots can go wrong. Here are the major reasons a formal sublease agreement is essential:
Defines financial and legal responsibilities: The sub-tenant will pay rent, but the original tenant remains legally liable to the landlord under the master lease. Having clear terms avoids messy gaps.
Bridges the relationship between three parties: Landlord → original tenant → sub-tenant. Without a formal document, confusion arises over who is responsible for what, who has rights of access, and what happens if things go wrong.
Ensures compliance with head lease: The sub-lease must respect and often incorporates key obligations of the master lease (such as permitted use, maintenance, insurance) to avoid the landlord terminating the master lease and knocking out the sub-lease.
Provides protection and clarity: Issues like property damage, unpaid rent, or unauthorized use can trigger liability. A robust sublease agreement sets out termination rights, liability indemnities, and ensures transparency.
Saves time and risk: Using a template (especially one generated by Wansom AI) allows both parties to create a thorough sublease quickly, rather than starting from scratch or relying on generic forms that might omit critical clauses.
Because of these reasons, whether you are the sub-lessor or the sub-tenant, investing time upfront in a correct sublease agreement pays dividends down the line.
Essential Clauses in a Sublease Agreement
To make sure your sublease is strong and enforceable, include these key clauses. Think of these as the pillars of a well-constructed document.
1. Parties Involved
Specify full legal names (and entities, if companies), contact information, addresses of:
Sub-lessor (original tenant)
Sub-tenant (new occupant) Also reference the master lease landlord, though the landlord is not party to the sub-lease (unless required).
2. Reference to Master Lease / Head Lease
Make clear that the sub-lease is subject to the master lease. The sub-tenant agrees to abide by terms of the master lease as if they were the original tenant, to the extent applicable.
3. Description of the Premises
Define exactly what space is being sub-leased: address, floor/unit number, square footage/meters, any shared areas, included fixtures or equipment.
4. Term (Start and End Dates)
State when the sub-lease begins and ends, and note that the end date cannot exceed the end date of the master lease’s term (for the portion being sub-leased).
5. Rent and Payment Terms
The amount of sub-rent the sub-tenant will pay
Payment frequency, method, due date
Late payment penalties or interest
Security deposit or equivalent if applicable
6. Permitted Use & Restrictions
Set out what the sub-tenant may or may not use the space for. It must align with the master lease’s permitted use clause. Include restrictions on alterations, signage, additional sub-letting or assignment.
7. Maintenance, Repairs & Utilities
Clarify responsibilities: who handles repairs, utility payments, cleaning, waste disposal, equipment servicing. Often the sub-tenant assumes many of the routine costs, but the sub-lessor must remain mindful of the master lease obligations.
8. Insurance & Liability
Specify required insurance coverages, whether the sub-tenant must provide proof of insurance, who is liable for damage or personal injury. Some master leases require the tenant to maintain certain insurance, so sub-tenant needs to be aware.
9. Assignment & Subletting
State whether the sub-tenant can assign their interest or sub-lease further. Usually further sub-letting is restricted and requires consent of the sub-lessor and sometimes the original landlord.
8. Termination & Default
Define the events that give rise to default (e.g., non-payment of rent, breach of use terms), notice periods, rights of termination, how the premises must be vacated. Also consider what happens if the master lease is terminated (knock-on effect).
9. Miscellaneous Provisions
Governing law and jurisdiction
Notices (address where legal notices are sent)
Amendments (must be in writing)
Severability (if one clause fails, others still stand)
Entire agreement clause
Including these clauses will ensure your sub-lease is comprehensive, legally defensible and aligned with best practice.
How to Create a Sublease Agreement with Wansom AI
Using Wansom AI means you can generate a professional sublease agreement tailored to your situation without reinventing the wheel. Here’s how it works:
Log in to Wansom AI and select Sublease Agreement Template.
Provide the basic information: sub-lessor’s details, sub-tenant’s details, premises description, term, rent.
Specify obligations: Who will pay utilities, who handles repairs, permissibility of sub-tenant’s use.
Review whether the master lease requires landlord consent for sub-letting; capture that consent clause if required.
Review and customise additional options: assignment rights, deposit amount, termination rights, insurance cover.
Generate your document in PDF or Word format. Download and print, or send for e-signature.
Both parties sign, store a copy, and ensure the master landlord receives any required notification/consent per the head lease.
Because Wansom AI uses templates structured for commercial real estate and sublease circumstances, the generated agreement embeds the core legal priorities while giving you flexibility to edit. That reduces time, risk and the need for repeated lawyer consultations.
Related Blog: What to Consider Before Subleasing Commercial Property
Examples of Sublease Agreement Templates in Practice
Creating a sublease agreement goes beyond filling fields; it is about building the correct relationship structure between which property, which parties, and how the obligations flow. Below are real-world examples of how different business or property contexts use sub-lease templates.
Sublease Templates for Large-Space Tenants
Businesses that lease large commercial space often have unused portions. These templates help them monetise or reduce costs:
Office Sublease Agreement Template – A company leasing a whole floor subleases a suite to a smaller company. The sub-lease covers rent, shared services, meeting room access and aligns with the head lease.
Warehouse/Industrial Sublease Template – A logistics firm leases a large warehouse but sub-lets a section to a smaller firm. The sub-lease covers loading-dock access, equipment, maintenance liability.
Retail Unit Sublease Template – A retail anchor tenant who sub-lets part of their store to a pop-up brand or complementary business; the sub-lease addresses signage, customer foot-traffic, shared facilities.
Sublease Templates for Relocations or Temporary Use
Sometimes the original tenant is moving but bound by the lease term or wants short-term occupancy. Templates address those:
Short-Term Business Sublease Template – A tenant vacates but still holds the lease for 6 months; sub-leases the space for that period to avoid paying full rent.
Co-Working/Shared Space Sublease Template – In office hubs, the main tenant sub-lets desks or suites to smaller firms; agreement addresses shared amenities, common area charges, flexible term.
Event/Pop-Up Sublease Template – A tenant sub-leases space to a seasonal or special-event business (e.g., holiday pop-up shop); the agreement covers temporary term, fixtures, special usage.
Sublease Templates from the Sub-Tenant Perspective
From the sub-tenant’s point of view, reviewing and using a well-structured template helps ensure they aren’t inheriting hidden liabilities:
Sub-tenant Checklist Sublease Template – Helps potential sub-tenants review: how much term remains, does the head lease allow sub-letting, are there obligations the original tenant must still fulfill.
Assignment vs. Sublease Comparison Template – For scenarios where the original lease allows assignment (full takeover) or sub-lease (partial) and clarifies rights/risks.
Termination or Release Sublease Template – Enables the sub-tenant and original tenant to agree on early exit, responsibilities for restoration, deposit return and vacating conditions.
Using the correct template depending on your scenario ensures you’re not just plugging into a generic form but capturing the nuance of your situation. While manual generic templates exist, using Wansom AI’s tailored sub-lease templates ensures better alignment with head lease obligations and reduces risk.
Simplify Sublease Creation with Wansom AI
Whether you are the original tenant looking to sub-let or a business looking for a sub-tenant, Wansom AI provides the tools you need to create, customise and manage a strong sublease agreement. With Wansom you can:
Generate a compliant sub-lease agreement instantly, optimized for commercial property use
Use templates designed to align with industry best-practice and commercial real-estate standards
Customise clauses to reflect your property type, tenant-use scenario, and lease term
Secure signatures, maintain version control and reduce risk of missed obligations
With a complex relationship floating between landlord, tenant and sub-tenant, Wansom AI makes process easier and more reliable.
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Free Sublease Agreement Templates
1. Residential Lease Agreement Template:
Designed for standard residential properties such as houses, apartments, or condos. Includes rent, term, and maintenance clauses. With Wansom AI, you can customize it to match local laws and your property.
2. Commercial Lease Agreement Template:
For tenants (sublandlords) or business operators wishing to sublet their leased space to a new tenant (subtenant). This template addresses the rights and obligations of both the subtenant and the original tenant, outlines landlord consent requirements, and details assignment conditions.
3. General Release Agreement Template:
Used when parties wish to release each other from further obligations under a lease. Ideal when closing a tenancy early, relocating or settling claims. Wansom AI generates a legally sound release document effortlessly.
4. Lease Renewal Agreement Template:
For tenants and landlords extending an existing commercial lease. Outlines updated rent, term extension, revised conditions and landmark changes. With Wansom you can renew or update in minutes.
5. Rent Increase Notice Template For landlords to issue formal notice of upcoming rent adjustments in line with lease terms and local regulation. Wansom AI helps ensure the notice is compliant and professionally structured.
6. Equipment Lease Agreement Template:
Applies when a business leases equipment (such as heavy machinery or specialised systems) rather than only real estate. Includes terms on ownership, maintenance and rental period. Wansom supports this scenario too.
7. Office Lease Agreement Template:
Suited for businesses renting office space—whether a suite in a building or an entire floor. Covers service charges, fit-out matters, common area maintenance and lease term. Wansom AI customises accordingly.
8. Vehicle Lease Agreement Template:
For businesses leasing vehicles—cars, trucks or fleets. Includes mileage limitations, insurance, maintenance and lease return conditions. Though not purely real estate, Wansom handles this asset-lease scenario.
9. Farm Lease Agreement Template:
For agricultural business tenants leasing farmland or farm buildings for crop production, livestock or agri-business. Includes land-use, water rights, equipment access and rental term. Wansom’s templates cater here too.
10. Free Hunting Lease Agreement Template:
Ideal for landowners leasing property for hunting or wildlife-use business operations. Includes access rules, permitted game, liability waiver and seasonal terms. Wansom AI makes even niche business leasing easier.
11. Early Lease Termination Agreement Template:
Enables tenants or landlords to end the lease early by mutual agreement. Details notice periods, settlement of outstanding obligations and exit conditions. Wansom simplifies this amicable exit document.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sublease Agreements
1. Is a sublease legally binding without the landlord’s consent?
No. If the master lease prohibits sub-letting or requires landlord’s consent, failing to obtain that can invalidate the sublease or allow the landlord to terminate the master lease.
2. Can a sub-tenant sign directly with the landlord?
Typically no; under a standard sub-lease the sub-tenant has a contractual relationship with the original tenant, not the landlord. The landlord-tenant relationship stays with the master lease.
3. Is the sub-lessor still responsible to the landlord?
Yes. Even after entering into a sub-lease, the original tenant remains liable under the master lease for obligations such as rent, repair, insurance. It is crucial that the sub-lessor ensures the sub-tenant adheres to the head lease so the sub-lessor’s liability is not triggered.
4. How long can a sub-lease run?
The sub-lease term must not extend beyond the expiry of the master lease (or the portion of the premises under lease) unless the master lease or landlord allows it. Frequently sub-leases are shorter.
5. Do I need a lawyer to review a sub-lease?
Strongly recommended. Sub-leases often tie into complex master lease obligations, and both sub-lessor and sub-tenant face potential risks if terms are vague or inconsistent with the head lease. A lawyer helps ensure alignment and that local landlord/tenant laws are respected.
Create Your Sublease Agreement with Wansom AI
Don’t spend hours drafting from scratch or risk missing key legal and operational clauses. With Wansom AI you can generate a compliant, well-structured sublease agreement tailored to your situation in minutes.
Generate your free Sublease Agreement now on wansom.ai and ensure your sub-lease is accurate, professional and ready for sign-off.