The difference in one table
| Lease takeover (assignment) | Sublease | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is on the lease afterward | The new tenant, directly with the landlord | You are still the tenant |
| Your responsibility for rent | Ends once the landlord releases you | Continues for the whole term |
| Landlord approval | Required: they screen the new tenant and issue the forms | Usually required by the lease |
| Who pays the landlord | The new tenant | You, collecting from the subtenant |
| If the new person stops paying | The landlord goes after them, not you | The landlord goes after you |
| Best for | Leaving for good | Leaving temporarily and coming back |
When a lease takeover is the right choice
Choose a takeover if you won't live there again: you graduated, moved cities, changed jobs, or are studying abroad for a full term. It removes you from the lease, so a missed payment months later is not your problem.
The catch is that your landlord has to say yes. Most properties have a process for it, and many charge a fee. Ask for the takeover or relet forms early.
When a sublease makes sense
A sublease fits when you are leaving for part of the term, such as a summer internship, and you plan to come back. You keep the apartment and your place on the lease.
The risk is yours. If the subtenant damages the unit or stops paying, you still owe the landlord, and getting money back from a subtenant is up to you. Many leases also forbid subleasing without written permission, so check before you advertise.
Which one does Dryft do?
Dryft is built for the takeover route. Your Dryft agent finds an incoming tenant who applies directly to your property, and the engagement closes once that tenant signs the property's official lease agreement. If Dryft doesn't find a replacement tenant, you get your money back: you can request a full refund for any reason until the incoming tenant signs the official lease.
Frequently asked questions
Is a lease takeover the same as an assignment?
In everyday use, yes. Lease takeover, lease transfer, lease assignment and relet all describe a new tenant taking over your lease. The details are set by your lease and your landlord's process.
Am I still liable after a sublease?
Yes. In a sublease you remain the tenant under your original lease, so you are responsible to the landlord for the rent and for the condition of the unit.
Do I need my landlord's permission for either?
For a takeover, always: the landlord has to approve and sign the new tenant. For a sublease, most leases require written permission. Subleasing without it can breach your lease.
Which is faster, a takeover or a sublease?
Neither is automatic. Both depend on finding a person the landlord will accept. A takeover adds the property's approval and paperwork. A service like Dryft handles the search and coordination.
What is Dryft?
Dryft is a service that gets renters out of a lease they can't keep. It finds a replacement tenant to take over the lease, working through your property's own takeover process. Get an instant price on the Dryft quote page.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws and lease terms vary, so check your own lease and talk to a lawyer or a tenant rights organization about your situation.