Free Sublet Agreement Template UK (Subletting Tenancy Contract Download)

If you’re renting a property in the UK and planning to sublet it, you’ll need the right paperwork to protect yourself and your subtenant. A sublet agreement (also called a sublease or subletting tenancy contract) sets out the terms between you, the original tenant, and the new occupant who will rent part or all of the property from you.

Using a free sublet agreement template is the simplest way to create a legally sound document that covers both parties’ rights and obligations. This guide explains how subletting works in the UK, what your agreement should include, and how to download a free, ready-to-use template in Word or PDF format.

Alternate Names for a Sublet Agreement

Sublet agreements are sometimes referred to by other terms. You might also see:

Sublease Agreement
Subletting Agreement
Underlease Agreement
Residential Sublease Contract
UK Subletting Tenancy Contract

All these documents serve the same purpose, defining the legal relationship between the sublessor (the original tenant) and the sublessee (the subtenant).

What Is a Sublet Agreement and Why It Matters

A sublet agreement is a written contract that allows a tenant to rent out their property — or part of it — to another person for a set period. It defines what each party can and cannot do during the sublet term.

The agreement usually covers:

The names and contact details of the parties involved
The property address being sublet
Rent amount, due date, and payment method
Deposit amount and how it’s held
Duration of the sublease
Bills and maintenance responsibilities
Termination rules and notice periods
Any landlord consent required

Why it’s important:

Protects both tenant and subtenant from future disputes
Ensures compliance with the original tenancy (the head lease)
Provides written proof of terms and permissions
Clarifies liability for rent, damage, and repairs

In the UK, most Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) require written permission from the landlord before subletting. Without consent, you could breach your tenancy agreement, risking eviction or losing your deposit. Having a signed sublet contract keeps everything transparent and legally compliant.

Legal Context: Is Subletting Legal in the UK?

Yes, subletting is legal in the UK if your tenancy agreement and landlord permit it. The key is checking your existing lease.
If there’s a “no subletting” clause or the landlord refuses consent, subletting could be considered a breach of contract.

Important UK laws that apply include:

Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 – tenant repair responsibilities
Tenant Fees Act 2019 – limits on charges and deposits
Housing Act 1988 – governs ASTs
Right to Rent checks – you must verify your subtenant’s legal status to rent
Deposit Protection Scheme (DPS, TDS or MyDeposits) – if you take a deposit, it must be protected in an approved scheme

What Should a Sublet Contract Template (UK) Include?

A good sublet agreement template for UK tenants should clearly define the terms of the arrangement. Below is a checklist of essential sections.

1. Parties Involved

Identify:

Sublessor – the original tenant
Sublessee – the new tenant
Landlord – if their consent or signature is required

2. Property Description

Include the full address and specify whether it’s a room, a flat, or the entire property.

3. Term of Sublease

State the start and end dates, and whether it’s a fixed-term or rolling monthly agreement.
You can also include a break clause, allowing either party to end the sublease early with written notice.

4. Rent and Payment Terms

Define:

Rent amount and payment frequency (weekly, monthly)
Payment method (bank transfer, standing order, etc.)
Late fees or interest on arrears (if any)

5. Security Deposit

List:

The deposit amount
Where it will be held (Deposit Protection Scheme)
The conditions for return or deductions

6. Utilities and Expenses

Clarify who pays for:

Gas, electricity, water
Council tax and broadband
TV licence and other bills

7. Maintenance and Responsibilities

Explain:

Who handles repairs and upkeep
Rules on property use, alterations, and noise
Requirement to keep the property clean and undamaged

8. Landlord Consent

Confirm that the landlord has granted written permission to sublet. Attach a copy of this consent if possible.

9. Termination and Notice

Set out:

How much notice either party must give to end the agreement
Circumstances for early termination (breach, non-payment, etc.)
What happens if one party leaves before the end of the term

10. Inventory and Furnishings

Include an inventory list with the condition of furniture, appliances, and fixtures. Photos can prevent future disputes.

11. Dispute Resolution

Add a simple clause explaining how disagreements will be handled, ideally through mediation or arbitration before legal action.

12. Legal Compliance

Note that the sublet must comply with:

UK tenancy law
The original lease terms
Health and safety regulations (gas safety, fire safety, etc.)

Download Free Sublet Agreement Template (Word & PDF)

To make the process simple, we’ve prepared a free, ready-to-use sublet agreement template for tenants in the UK.

[Download Sublet Agreement Template (Word)]
[Download Sublet Agreement Template (PDF)]

Each version can be easily customised to fit your situation simply fill in the names, dates, and rent details.

Free Sample Sublet Agreement (UK)

Below is a sample layout showing what your sublet contract might look like.

Sublet Agreement (United Kingdom)

This Sublet Agreement is made on [Date] between:

Sublessor (Original Tenant): [Full Name, Address, Contact]
Sublessee (Subtenant): [Full Name, Address, Contact]
Landlord (if applicable): [Full Name, Address, Contact]

Property: [Full Address]
Term: From [Start Date] to [End Date]
Rent: £[Amount] per [Week/Month], payable on [Due Date]
Deposit: £[Amount], protected with [DPS/TDS/MyDeposits]
Utilities: [Specify who pays for gas, electricity, council tax, internet, etc.]

Responsibilities:

Sublessee must maintain the property in good condition.
No alterations without written consent.
Sublessee agrees to follow all terms of the head tenancy.

Termination:
Either party may terminate this agreement by giving [X weeks/months] written notice.

Signatures:
Sublessor: ______________________
Sublessee: ______________________
Landlord: ______________________ (if required)

Tips for Using a Sublet Agreement Effectively

Get Landlord Consent – Always obtain written approval before subletting.
Complete All Fields – Fill in every section clearly, including rent, deposit, and term.
Include an Inventory – Record furniture condition and take dated photos.
Agree on Bills – Decide upfront who pays each utility.
Keep Copies – Both parties should have signed copies for reference.
Check Legal Updates – Tenancy law can change; review annually.
Run Tenant Checks – Verify your subtenant’s Right to Rent and references.
Get Advice for Complex Cases – For multiple tenants or HMOs, seek professional guidance.

Pros and Cons of Using a Template

Advantages

Free and quick to create
Covers the main legal essentials
Reduces misunderstandings
Adaptable for rooms or whole properties

Limitations

Templates may not fit every scenario
Complex arrangements might require legal review
Must always reflect the latest UK legislation

If your situation involves multiple tenants, short-term lets, or HMO rules, it’s worth getting legal advice to ensure full compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is subletting legal in the UK?

Yes, as long as your landlord grants permission and your tenancy agreement allows it.

Can a landlord refuse subletting?

Yes. Many tenancy agreements include a “no subletting” clause. Always check your lease and get consent in writing.

What should a UK sublet agreement include?

Names of all parties, property address, rent, deposit details, maintenance rules, notice period, and confirmation of landlord consent.

Who pays the bills in a sublet?

That depends on your arrangement. The sublet contract should clearly state who is responsible for gas, electricity, water, council tax, and broadband.

Do I need a sublet agreement if I trust the subtenant?

Yes. Even with friends or family, a written contract protects everyone and avoids future disputes.

What happens if the subtenant stops paying rent?

The original tenant usually remains responsible to the landlord. The sublet agreement allows you to reclaim unpaid rent or take legal action if needed.

Final Thoughts

A UK sublet agreement also known as a sublease or subletting tenancy contract is essential for tenants who rent out their home or a spare room. It sets clear expectations, protects deposits, and ensures compliance with your landlord’s terms.

Using a free, legally-aligned template is the quickest and safest way to formalise your sublet.
Remember to get landlord consent, document the property’s condition, and sign copies for both parties.

Download your free Sublet Agreement Template (Word or PDF) today and protect your tenancy the smart way.

Last Updated on October 23, 2025 by James Cartwright