Subletting lets commercial tenants sublet all or part of the demise to a third party — critical flexibility for space downsizing or partial exit. This guide explains the process, landlord consent, and typical pitfalls.
Every commercial lease has an alienation clause governing subletting, assignment and sharing occupation. Standard wording requires 'landlord's consent not to be unreasonably withheld'. Some clauses are absolute (consent impossible); most are qualified.
Approach via broker or direct. Covenant strength material to landlord consent.
Tenant's solicitor submits alienation application with sub-tenant covenant, proposed sublease terms.
4–8 weeks typical. Surveyor checks: sub-tenant covenant, use compatibility, repairing obligations, rent level.
Landlord issues licence to sublet or licence to assign. All parties sign.
Main tenant and sub-tenant sign sublease. Sub-tenant typically inherits repairing obligation.
Where subletting involves physical reconfiguration — partitioning a floor, creating a separate entrance — we deliver the CAT B works alongside. See Office Partitioning, Office Fit-Out.
Yes, subject to the lease. Some leases prohibit part-subletting; most permit with consent.
Sub-tenant pays main tenant; main tenant continues to pay landlord. Main tenant liable to landlord for full rent regardless of sub-tenant performance.
Measured survey and fixed-price quote within 10 working days.