How to Transfer Your Apartment Lease to Someone Else
Short answer: To transfer your apartment lease, confirm your lease allows it, ask your landlord for their transfer process, find a replacement renter, have them apply and get approved, and sign the transfer paperwork — including a written release for you.
Can I transfer my apartment lease to someone else?
Many leases allow a transfer — also called an assignment or lease takeover — with the landlord's written approval. Some leases don't allow it at all, and some have specific conditions. Start by reading the "assignment and subletting" section of your lease. Check your lease and local law before you begin.
Step 1: What does my lease say about transfers?
Look for:
- Whether assignment is allowed and whether written approval is required
- Any transfer, relet, or administrative fee (see what is a relet fee?)
- Notice requirements and deadlines
- How the security deposit is handled at transfer
Step 2: How do I ask my landlord about a lease transfer?
Email your leasing office and ask for their lease transfer process in writing. Useful questions:
- What application does the incoming tenant complete?
- What are the screening criteria, and where are they published?
- Is there a fee, and who pays it?
- Will I receive a written release after the transfer?
- How is my deposit handled?
Keeping this in email gives you a record if questions come up later.
Step 3: How do I find someone to take over my lease?
Post a clear listing that describes the property and the lease terms: monthly rent, included utilities, the exact lease end date, parking, laundry, and clear interior photos. Describe the unit and location — not the kind of person you're looking for. Fair housing rules apply to advertising, so focus on the property.
List your lease on ReletMe to reach renters searching your city or campus area. For more tips, see how to find someone to take over your lease.
Step 4: What happens when the new tenant applies?
Send interested renters to your landlord's application. The landlord screens every applicant using the same criteria and decides who is approved. You don't make the approval decision — and you shouldn't collect application fees, rent, or deposits from the incoming renter yourself. ReletMe is a marketplace and is not a party to your lease; payments go to the landlord.
Step 5: How do I finalize the lease transfer?
- Sign the landlord's assignment or transfer paperwork.
- Confirm the transfer date and when your responsibility ends.
- Get a written release, if your landlord provides one.
- Schedule a move-out inspection and document the unit's condition with photos.
- Return keys, cancel or transfer utilities, and update your mailing address.
What mistakes should I avoid?
- Handing over keys before the landlord approves the new tenant
- Relying on a verbal "okay" instead of written approval
- Accepting rent or deposits directly from the incoming renter
- Waiting until the last month to start looking
Related guides
Browse lease takeovers by market: Dallas, TX · Tampa, FL · Denver, CO
Ready to move on? List your lease on ReletMe and connect with renters looking for a takeover, or browse current lease takeovers. ReletMe is a marketplace and is not a party to your lease — your landlord must approve any transfer.
Frequently asked questions
Can I transfer my apartment lease to a friend?
Often, yes — as long as your lease allows assignment and the landlord approves them through the property's standard application. Anyone taking over the lease goes through the same process.
How long does a lease transfer take?
It varies by property and by how quickly the incoming renter applies. Ask your landlord about their typical processing steps, and start early so there's time to complete them.
Do I need my landlord's permission to transfer my lease?
In nearly every case, yes. The landlord must approve the new tenant before the lease transfers. Check your lease and local law for the specific requirements.
What should I get in writing?
The landlord's approval, the transfer date, any fees, how the security deposit is handled, and a release stating you're no longer responsible after the transfer.
General information, not legal advice. Every lease is different — check your lease and local law, and confirm any transfer with your landlord in writing.