Can I Sublet a Rented Property?

Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Question

I was renting an apartment, and, with my wife away, and to help with finances, I sublet a room. I did not know that this was contrary to my contract.

Consequently, I was evicted. I feel ashamed. How do I repent? Was that rental income halal?

Answer

I pray you are well.

Do not worry. The income was halal, and you did not commit a sin by subletting the room.

Subletting a Property

Subletting a property is permissible, as long as the tenants will not cause any harm to it, or use it in a way your landlord would not want you to use it. [Maydani, al-Lubab]

Had you agreed not to sublet and then done so, it would be a different story. However, seeing as you were unaware of the stipulation, you didn’t deliberately break a promise or agreement. You should have, however, read the contract so there was clarity on your part.

Turn to Allah and Move Forward

The income was halal. Don’t worry about that. Turn to Allah; ask Him to overlook your error, and move forward seeking His help. Ask Him to make you a good representative of His religion.

Don’t let the guilt and shame cripple you. You made a mistake; everyone does. Pick yourself up and assume that Allah has forgiven you after your tawba, because “he who repents from a sin is like the one who has no sin.” [Tabarani]

May Allah grant you the best of both worlds.
[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History, he moved to Damascus in 2007, where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008, he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital, and he was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.