Landlord & Tenant

Sublease Authorization Request: Certified Mail letter template

Send this letter by Certified Mail

Pre-filled template, USPS tracking and Electronic Return Receipt

Most leases prohibit subletting without the landlord's prior written consent. Subletting anyway is a lease violation that can lead to eviction, so the safe path is a formal written request that gives the landlord everything needed to say yes: the dates, the reason, and a qualified subtenant willing to be screened.

Some jurisdictions require landlords to respond within a set time or not to withhold consent unreasonably. A request sent via USPS Certified Mail with Electronic Return Receipt establishes exactly when the landlord received it, which matters where a non-response within the statutory window counts as consent, and protects you if the refusal is later challenged as unreasonable.

This template presents the subtenant, confirms you remain responsible under the lease, and asks for a written decision by a stated date.

This template is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney in your state.

The letter template

The parts in blue and in brackets should be replaced with your information: they are pre-filled automatically when you use the template online.

Your contact details

Filled in automatically from the addresses step.

Recipient

Name and address entered at the addresses step.

Re: Request for Consent to Sublease

Sent via USPS Certified Mail with Electronic Return Receipt

 

Dear Sir or Madam,

 

I am the tenant of the rental unit located at [full address of the rental unit] under the lease agreement dated [date the lease was signed]. I am writing to request your written consent to sublease the unit from [start date] to [end date], because [brief reason: temporary work assignment, study abroad, family circumstances].

 

The proposed subtenant is [full name of the proposed subtenant], currently residing at [subtenant's current address]. [Add relevant qualifications: employment, income, references, willingness to complete your standard screening.]

 

I would remain fully responsible for the rent and all obligations under the lease during the sublease period. The subtenant is prepared to sign a written sublease agreement consistent with the terms of my lease and to provide any documentation you require.

 

My lease [quote or summarize the sublease clause, e.g., requires the landlord's prior written consent, which may not be unreasonably withheld]. I kindly ask for your decision in writing within [reasonable deadline, e.g., 30 days] of receiving this letter. I am sending this request by Certified Mail so that the date of your receipt is documented.

 

Sincerely,

 

Mr. First name Last name

How to send this letter online

  1. 1

    Enter the addresses

    Your details and the recipient's: they are placed automatically in the letter heading.

  2. 2

    Personalize the template

    At the writing step, this template is ready to complete: replace the bracketed placeholders with your information.

  3. 3

    Review the exact preview

    What you see on screen is exactly what will be printed and mailed.

  4. 4

    We handle the rest

    Printing, sealing, and hand-off to USPS as Certified Mail. Proof of mailing and the Electronic Return Receipt are stored in your account.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the questions we hear most often about this letter.

Can my landlord refuse to let me sublet?

It depends on your lease and your jurisdiction. If the lease flatly prohibits subletting, the landlord can usually enforce that. If it requires consent, some states and cities provide that consent may not be unreasonably withheld. Read the exact clause before you send the request.

Am I still responsible for the rent during a sublease?

Yes. A sublease does not release you: you remain the tenant, and the landlord can pursue you for unpaid rent or damage caused by the subtenant. Choose your subtenant carefully and put your own written agreement in place with them.

What should I include with my request?

The sublease dates, the subtenant's full name and current address, evidence of their reliability such as employment or references, and your commitment to remain bound by the lease. The more complete the request, the harder it is to refuse reasonably.