Short answer: a sublease is when a tenant rents some or all of its space to another business for part or all of the remaining lease term. Subleases can come with shorter terms and lower rent, but you usually take the space as it is and need the landlord's consent. If you're the tenant subletting, you're typically still responsible to the landlord.
I'm Carolyn Olivieri, a Doylestown-based industrial and flex specialist with KW Commercial. I have over ten years in distribution and still run a distribution business today. Here's how subleases work from both sides.
Sublease space in Bucks County
Colliers reported 238,935 square feet of sublease vacant industrial space in Bucks County in the second quarter of 2026, out of about 4.17 million square feet vacant in total. (Source: Colliers, Philadelphia Regional Industrial Report, Q2 2026, https://philadelphia.colliers.com/hubfs/PHL%20Files/PHL%20Research/2026/Q2/Industrial/2026-Q2-Philadelphia-Industrial-Report.pdf) That's a small share, so sublease options come and go.
If you're taking a sublease
- Read the main lease. Your sublease generally can't give you more rights than it does.
- Check how much time is left. A short term is good for flexibility but means moving again sooner.
- Expect to take the space as is, with less room to ask for improvements.
- Make sure the landlord consents in writing.
- Ask what happens if the original tenant stops paying the landlord.
If you're subletting your space
- Check your lease for sublease and assignment language. Many require landlord consent, and some say consent can't be unreasonably withheld.
- Some leases let the landlord share in any profit or take back the space instead.
- In most cases you stay on the hook for rent and lease obligations even after you sublet.
Sublease vs. assignment
In a sublease, you stay the tenant and rent space to someone else. In an assignment, you transfer your lease to a new tenant, who takes your place with the landlord. Depending on the lease, you may still be liable after an assignment unless the landlord releases you.
Tax and legal questions should go to your accountant and attorney. Have an attorney review any sublease or assignment.
Helpful reading: How Do I Negotiate an Industrial Lease in Bucks County?, How Much Warehouse Space Do I Need? and What Does a Tenant Rep Broker Do for Industrial Space?.
FAQs
What is a warehouse sublease?
A sublease is when a tenant rents some or all of its space to another business for part or all of the remaining lease term.
Do I need the landlord's permission to sublease?
Usually yes. Most leases require landlord consent. Check what your lease says.
What is the difference between a sublease and an assignment?
In a sublease you stay the tenant. In an assignment you transfer the lease to a new tenant, though you may still be liable unless the landlord releases you.
Is sublease space cheaper?
It can be, since the original tenant may want to cover part of its rent. Terms are often shorter and the space usually comes as is.
Talk to a local industrial specialist
Questions about industrial or flex space in Bucks County? Email Carolyn Olivieri, a Doylestown-based industrial and flex specialist with KW Commercial, at c.olivieri@kwcommercial.com
Carolyn Olivieri, KW Commercial