University of Virginia Library

Transferring Lease

There are two means of transferring the
lease on an apartment to another tenant:
assignment and sub-lease. According to the
handbook, "Under a sub-lease the sublessor
assumes the responsibilities and rights of a
landlord to his sub-tenant, but you are still
obligated to perform your original duties to
your landlord." Under assignment you may
forfeit your right to renew your lease for the
next year. This option is usually still available if
you sublet an apartment.