What is a sublet?
A sublet is an option available to tenants who may need or want to temporarily give up their rented space to someone else for a specified period of time. In the case of a sublet, the person(s) named on the lease will return to their place after a specific period time. Essentially, they are “lending” the place to someone else. Students that are in an exchange program or leaving university temporarily with the plan to return may opt to sublet their place in their absence. A tenant must get the landlord’s written permission to sublet their place to another person and the landlord, tenant and new subletting tenant must sign a Subletting Agreement.
What is an assignment?
An assignment is very similar to a sublet, except that an assignment is based upon the idea that the tenant DOES NOT plan to move back in. Similarly, a tenant must get the landlord’s written permission to assign their place to another person and the landlord, tenant and new subletting tenant must sign an Assignment of Tenancy Agreement. For more information on the differences between assignments and subletting in Manitoba click here.
The information contained in this section of the website is for reference only and is provided as general guidelines for U of M students searching for off-campus housing and for prospective landlords. Provincial Acts governing the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants are under the jurisdiction of the Residential Tenancies Branch of Manitoba. Complete information on rights and responsibilities can be found on their website or by contacting their office at:
Residential Tenancies Branch
302 – 254 Edmonton Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 3Y4
Telephone: 204-945-2476
Toll Free in Manitoba: 1-800-782-8403
FAX: 204-945-6273
email: rtb@gov.mb.ca