5 Pros and Cons of Allowing Properties to be Subleased

5 Pros and Cons of Allowing Properties to be Subleased

Subleasing properties can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it opens up potential avenues for consistent income and easier tenant management. On the other hand, irresponsible leaseholders and increased property damage risks are pitfalls that keep landlords on edge.

If you’re considering allowing your tenants to sublease, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons. 

5 Pros and Cons of Allowing Tenants to Sublease

This guide provides an in-depth look at the various aspects of subleasing. Hopefully, it helps you make an informed decision about whether it’s right for you and your selected tenants.

Pro #1: Financial Stability is Practically Guaranteed

Being open to subleasing brings a significant advantage in terms of financial stability. When subletting your property, a constant flow of rental income is almost ensured. Even in the event the main tenant were to vacate before the lease ends. This provides you with a decent financial safety net. 

So, even if you face difficulties finding immediate occupants for your property, having subtenants can act as a buffer. This can help keep up your revenue stream. Thus, allowing properties to be subleased fosters a financially stable environment for landlords in an unpredictable rental market.

Cons #1: No Control Over the Sublease Agreement 

Allowing subletting can sometimes leave landlords feeling like they’ve lost control over their property. You may not have a direct say in who your tenants choose to sublease to. This situation becomes complex when the agreement is not specific about the terms of subleasing. 

Unfortunately, this could lead to situations where you’re unhappy with the subtenants living on your property or disputes around upkeep and repair responsibilities. A comprehensive and customizable sublease agreement must be implemented to prevent such complications.

Pro #2: You Don’t Have to Find Your Own Tenants

One major advantage of allowing your tenants to sublease is that it alleviates the burden of tenant hunting. In competitive markets, finding reliable tenants can be a time-consuming and stressful process. By enabling subleasing, your current tenants take on that responsibility. 

They essentially become mini property managers, all while ensuring your rental income does not see a break. The convenience factor alone can make subleasing an attractive option for landlords and property owners, but only if you trust the tenant who’s subletting the property.

Con #2: Original Tenants May Not be Trustworthy

Another potential drawback of the arrangement is that original tenants entrusted with subleasing may be as reliable or trustworthy as you thought. Even though you have an agreement with them, problems can arise if they do not properly screen subtenants or fail to collect rent. 

Matters can be more complex if the primary tenants leave without notice or move to a different location, leaving their duties to a subtenant who was not ready for these responsibilities. This could lead to unnecessary stress and potential loss in your rental income if you aren’t careful.

Pro #3: Increased Property Maintenance Potential

Allowing subletting can provide surprising benefits regarding property maintenance. Tenants who sublease often take greater responsibility for the state of the property, as it impacts their potential to attract and retain subtenants. As a result, your property may be better looked after. 

Original tenants will strive to keep the premises in good condition due to the potential financial consequences, which reduces your time and money on regular maintenance. This potential for increased care makes subleasing an attractive proposition from a property upkeep perspective.

Con #3: Higher Potential for Property Damage

With a higher turnover of tenants, chances for potential wear and tear on your property incrementally increase. Subtenants who are only occupying the space temporarily may not demonstrate the same level of care or respect for the property as long-term tenants would. 

This could result in more frequent instances of damage, from minor cosmetic issues to major structural concerns, and you would bear the burden of repairing any such damages. Therefore, careful consideration must be given before allowing properties to be subleased.

Pro #4: Leaseholders Can Charge More for Rent

In certain cases, the original leaseholders may charge their prospective subtenants a higher rent than what they themselves pay. The difference becomes profit for the leaseholder while you, as a landlord, receive your agreed rental amount without any interruption. 

Sublessees often agree to pay more due to the flexible and shorter-term nature of these agreements. This can lead to a mutually beneficial situation where primary tenants make additional income and landlords enjoy unwavering revenue from their properties.

Evicting an unknown subtenant in case of violation becomes legally challenging as the agreement is primarily with the original tenant. Additionally, frequent changes in occupants can affect the tranquility of a residential area, causing disruptions among neighbors. 

Residents might not appreciate the increased activity or noise that comes with new subtenants moving in and out quite often. These complications can tarnish your property’s reputation in your community, along with potentially leading to more serious legal consequences.

Pro #5: Possibility of Short-Term Becoming Long-Term

Another potential advantage of allowing subletting lies in the possibility of converting short-term subtenants into long-term leaseholders. Frequently, people who start as subtenants develop a liking for the property during their stay and express interest in signing a regular lease. 

This possibility saves you the time and effort involved in hunting for new tenants and leads to a secure, long-term rental agreement. Having reliable and tested occupants significantly lowers associated risks and assures steady income from your property over an extended period.

Con #5: Extension Issues for Short-Term Sublessees

However, continuously allowing short-term subleases without solid potential for extensions can pose challenges. There’s no guarantee that short-term sublessees will become long-term, and that can cause the issues listed above, like financial instability or community disturbances. 

This is particularly pertinent in fluctuating markets where extended stability can be more beneficial for maintaining property value and income projections. If not strategically managed, routine short-term subleasing might hinder your chance of securing stable long-term leases.

In Conclusion… 

Although allowing properties to be subleased can present unique challenges, the potential benefits may tip the scale in its favor. Don’t shy away from exploring this flexible avenue that can offer you financial stability, lesser management worries, and potential long-term tenants.