State Specific Question About: DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (DC)

My tenant ask to sublease and I told the tenant that they could sublease. Their sublease candidate submitted their credit application for approval and I approved . A couple of days went by and the tenant sent me information for another sublease candidate. At this point, I told them I am not considering any subleases.

I would like to know if I am legally obligated in any way to my tenant or the sublease candidate. The sublease candidate's application fee has been returned, but not at their request.

BH,

What does your lease state?

Me? I operate under the STAY IN CONTROL method. Which means KEEP THE RENT ROLLING IN!

Is your resident leaving? He can pay the Early Release Fee and be done.

Is he leaving for a short time such as summer break, trying to honor his lease?

Is he adding a roommate to share the expense?

Does the subleasee want to stay for a long time?

Consider simply adding the subleasee to the lease since he met your approval.

You are obligated to allow the sublet because you gave permission already. That is not a legal requirement. But you must stand by your word. It's the right thing to do.

Well, you promised, didn't you?

But trying to prove and enforce an oral agreement is not so easy.

But, as Steve[TN] says, keeping your word is the right thing to do.

PS

My lease is clear: In case of dispute, the written terms of the lease override any verbal communication.