What does the term "subleasing" mean in commercial real estate?

Subleasing in commercial real estate refers to the situation where a tenant leases their rental space to another tenant while still retaining primary responsibility to the landlord for meeting the terms of the original lease. This arrangement allows the original tenant, often referred to as the sublessor, to generate income from the leased property while still being accountable for all lease obligations, such as rent payment and property maintenance, as stipulated in their direct lease agreement with the landlord.

In this context, the sublessee becomes responsible only for the terms of the sublease with the sublessor, not the original lease with the landlord. This structure benefits both parties: the original tenant can reduce their financial burden or exit a space they no longer need, and the new tenant gains access to desired space without directly negotiating with the landlord.

The other options present different scenarios that do not accurately capture the definition of subleasing. Renting directly from the landlord is a straightforward lease situation and does not involve a subtenant. Short-term projects might suggest a lease agreement, but it does not equate to subleasing unless it involves passing the primary lease to another tenant. Transferring lease obligations without landlord involvement also contradicts the nature of subleasing, as the landlord typically remains involved in some capacity,