What is the difference between a sublet and a lease assignment?

The correct answer highlights a key distinction in how rental agreements can be managed between tenants and landlords. A sublet involves allowing another party to temporarily occupy the rental space while the original tenant retains their lease obligations and rights. This means that the original tenant is still ultimately responsible for the lease, including rent payments and any damages, even while another tenant is living in the unit.

On the other hand, a lease assignment involves transferring the entire lease and all its rights and obligations to a new party. This means that once the assignment is complete, the original tenant is relieved of responsibilities under that lease, and the new tenant (the assignee) steps in, fully assuming all terms of the lease.

This distinction is important because it dictates the level of responsibility retained by the original tenant and the degree of landlord involvement. The correct answer succinctly encapsulates these legal nuances, reflecting how the responsibilities and rights are affected in each scenario. Understanding this difference is crucial for tenants considering their options for managing their leases, especially when circumstances change (e.g., moving away temporarily or entering a long-term agreement with another party).