A Washington, DC sublease agreement allows the original lease tenant (“sublessor”) to rent out all or part of their rental property to a new tenant (“subtenant”). A sublessor must honor the terms of the sublease agreement and follow all Washington, DC laws regarding the eviction process, security deposits, and all other landlord-tenant matters.
The subtenant also remains bound to all the same terms and conditions in the original lease agreement. However, the original tenant doesn’t suddenly escape their responsibilities as a tenant — they remain liable for any damage to the property, unpaid rent, or other breaches of the original lease agreement caused by the subtenant. It’s recommended that a tenant receive written permission from their landlord before subletting in Washington, DC.