Definition

A person who rents property from someone who is already renting it from the owner.

Example

The subtenant signed a lease agreement with the main tenant.

Conversation

Have you found a subtenant for your spare room yet?

Not yet, but I'm hoping to soon; it's a bit of extra income.

That makes sense, it's nice to have a subtenant to help with the rent.

Exactly! Plus, it can be fun to have someone new around.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Subtenant → It is formed from "sub-" (meaning under or below) and "tenere" (meaning to hold). A subtenant is someone who holds a lease or rental agreement under another tenant, thus being below them in the hierarchy of tenancy.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is 'holding' ('tenere') a lease 'under' ('sub-') another tenant — that's why a subtenant is someone who rents from another tenant.

Visually Confused Words