Sublease agreement (Chicago renter)
Legal advice recommended before use.
For RLTO-covered units, Municipal Code of Chicago § 5-12-120 generally requires a landlord to accept a reasonable sublease a tenant proposes, without an extra fee, as long as the proposed sublease doesn't violate legitimate lease terms and the subtenant is otherwise qualified. This template documents the sublease itself, between you (the original tenant) and your subtenant — remember that you generally remain responsible to your landlord under your original lease regardless of what this sublease says. See our subletting guide for the full process, including getting your landlord's approval in writing first.
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This is a template, not legal advice. Get your landlord's written approval before subletting, and confirm current RLTO subleasing requirements (MCC § 5-12-120) if your unit is RLTO-covered.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need my landlord's approval before subletting?
Yes — get it in writing first. For an RLTO-covered unit, your landlord generally must accept a reasonable, qualified sublease under MCC § 5-12-120, but you should still follow your lease's specific request process and get written confirmation before proceeding.
Am I still responsible for rent if my subtenant doesn't pay?
Yes — a sublease doesn't release you from your obligations to your landlord under your original lease. This template makes that continuing liability explicit in Section 6.
Can this sublease extend past my own lease term?
No — a sublease can't give the subtenant rights beyond what you have under the Original Lease. Make sure the sublease term ends on or before your own lease term does.
What if my landlord refuses to approve a reasonable sublease?
For an RLTO-covered unit, an unreasonable refusal may violate MCC § 5-12-120 — document the request and refusal in writing and consider consulting a tenant-rights organization or attorney. See our subletting guide for more detail.
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