Who is on the lease and why it matters for your rights
Ask for the current lease and identify the landlord, every named tenant, and any authorized occupants. A person named on the lease generally has a direct contractual relationship with the landlord; a subtenant may have one with the master tenant instead.
This distinction can affect rent payment, maintenance requests, replacement roommates, deposit handling, notices, and a move-out. It can also matter when a dispute reaches the Rent Board or court.
Do not accept “everyone is basically on the lease” as an answer. Get your actual status in writing before paying a deposit. If the documents conflict, pause and get local legal guidance.
Source: SF Rent Board guidance.