Assignment

Separate the transfer, consent and any release

An assignment transfers a lease interest to another party; a sublease and a new direct lease are different arrangements. The Cornell assignment overview distinguishes transfer concepts and continuing duties. Do not assume that moving out, receiving consent or naming a new occupant releases the original tenant or a guarantor. Have the agreement and applicable law reviewed for the actual obligations.

Identify what is proposed, who is involved and when the change would take effect. Read the original lease and amendments for transfer restrictions, required information and the consent process. Apply relevant lawful criteria and review any report, fee or response requirement before acting. An approved candidate, landlord consent and a completed assignment document are separate steps.

Document the transferred interest, duties accepted, any express release, effective date and required signatures with qualified help. Reconcile rent, deposits, existing claims, condition, keys, repair contacts and the records each person should receive. Keep the original and transfer documents together. Use the occupancy-arrangement guide to compare the handoffs; changing a software profile or receiving a payment does not itself amend the lease or discharge an obligation.