Definition

A person who rents property from another tenant instead of directly from the landlord.

Example

The undertenant signed a lease agreement with the primary tenant to occupy the apartment.

Conversation

Have you ever thought about being an undertenant?

Not really, what does that involve?

Well, it means renting a place from someone who is already renting it.

Oh, that sounds interesting! It could be a good way to save money.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Undertenant → It is formed from "under-" (meaning beneath or subordinate) and "tenant" (from Old French *tenant*, meaning holder or occupant). An undertenant is someone who holds a lease or tenancy beneath another tenant, indicating a subordinate position in the hierarchy of tenancy.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is a 'holder' ('tenant') but is 'beneath' ('under-') another in the rental hierarchy — that's what an undertenant is.

Visually Confused Words