How to sublet your room the right way in SF
Read the primary lease before advertising. Identify any rule on subletting, assignment, occupancy, notice, or landlord consent. San Francisco rules can affect roommate replacements, but they do not make every informal arrangement safe or authorized.
Tell the landlord what you propose and get any required approval in writing. Screen the subtenant fairly, explain your own status, and use a written agreement that states the room, dates, rent, utilities, deposit, furniture, house rules, and move-out process.
Keep records of payments and condition photos. As the original tenant, you may still be responsible to the landlord even if your subtenant fails to pay or damages the home.
Sources: SF Rent Board guidance, California Civil Code §1946.2.