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.
Laws & Requirements
Sublease and Assignment Provision Laws: No.
Landlord-Tenant Laws: Title 42, Chapters 32-36A, Code of the District of Columbia, Title 14, Chapter 14-3, District of Columbia Municipal Regulations.
Security Deposit Obligations: The security deposit must be returned within 45 days of the end of the sublease.
Notices: Sublessors must give subtenants 30 days’ written notice to pay rent or leave. They must also provide 30 days’ written notice of their intent not to renew the sublease and the original lease.
Sample
Below, you can download a free Washington, DC sublease agreement template in PDF or Word format:
