How to Transfer a Lease or Add Someone to a Rental in NSW?

Your living situation can change, a friend might move in, someone might move out, or you may need to transfer a lease in NSW entirely. In New South Wales, there are clear rules about how to update your lease agreement when this happens.

In this article, we’ll break down the difference between lease transfers, adding someone to a rental, and subletting. We’ll also explain when you need landlord approval, what the risks are, and how to do things the right way.

Whether you’re managing this yourself or renting through Find My Home, it’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities to avoid problems later on.

1. What is a lease transfer?

A lease transfer happens when one or more tenants on an existing lease want to leave and have someone else take over their place. For example, if you’re halfway through a 12-month lease and need to move out, a new person can take your spot, but only if the landlord or agent agrees.

Here’s how it works in NSW:

• You must request permission in writing from the landlord or agent

• The new tenant will usually need to provide documents and be approved

• A formal transfer form must be completed

• The agent may charge a lease transfer fee (this should be reasonable)

At Find My Home, we make sure our leases are set up clearly from the beginning. If something changes, we help renters understand the transfer process and coordinate with the agent to make it smooth.

To learn more about how things are structured from the start, see our article What Happens After You Apply for a Rental in Australia.

2. Adding someone to your lease

If you want a new housemate to move in and be officially recognised on the lease, this is called a lease addition. The person is added as a co-tenant, which means they share equal responsibility for rent and the condition of the property.

Here’s what to expect:

• You must notify the agent or landlord and request permission

• The new tenant will need to be screened and approved

• Once approved, a lease amendment or new lease may be signed

• Everyone on the lease is jointly responsible for the agreement

With Find My Home, we help renters avoid confusion by making sure only approved tenants are living in the property. If your situation changes, we provide advice on what steps to take and assist with the paperwork so that everything stays compliant with NSW tenancy laws.

3. What about subletting?

Subletting means you are leasing part (or all) of the property to someone else while you remain on the lease. This is legal in NSW, but only with written permission from the landlord or agent. You cannot just allow someone to move in and pay rent without approval.

Risks of unauthorised subletting include:

• Breach of lease terms

• Eviction

• Blacklisting on a tenancy database

At Find My Home, we do not sublet properties without landlord knowledge. Our rental structure is clear: we hold the lease and sublet responsibly, with full transparency. This ensures everyone involved knows who is living at the property and why.

To understand more about the risks of unclear rental arrangements, read Why Your Rental Application Might Be Rejected Without You Even Knowing.

4. Do you always need approval?

Yes, in almost every case, adding someone to the lease, transferring a lease, or subletting requires written approval from the agent or landlord. Verbal agreements are not enough.

Failing to get approval could put your tenancy at risk, and it may affect your ability to rent in the future.

When you rent through Find My Home, we take care of this communication on your behalf and ensure everything is documented properly. If someone’s plans change, you will not be left to figure it out alone.

Final thoughts on Transfer a Lease in NSW

Changing a lease in NSW is possible, but it must be done correctly. Whether you are transferring your lease, adding a housemate, or thinking about subletting, the key is to follow the proper process and keep your agent informed.

Find My Home helps renters avoid these issues by setting up leases clearly and offering guidance when changes arise. If you are unsure what to do or want help managing the process, reach out to our team for support or contact us on WhatsApp.