Which clause governs the tenant's ability to assign or sub-let?

• A. User
• B. Covenants
• C. Alienation
• D. Forfeiture

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is the clause that controls whether a tenant can transfer their lease to another person or allow someone else to occupy the premises. That control is provided by the alienation clause. It sets who may take over the lease through assignment or sub-letting, often requiring landlord consent (sometimes with a stipulation that consent should not be unreasonably withheld) and imposing conditions on the assignee, such as taking on the tenant’s covenants. This is distinct from general covenants, which cover the tenant’s promises within the lease, and from forfeiture, which deals with remedies for breach. The use or “user” aspect governs what activities are allowed on the property, not transfer rights. So the clause that governs assignment or sub-letting is the alienation clause.