How to sublet without breaking your lease
Find the lease provisions on subletting, assignment, guests, occupancy, and landlord consent. Follow any notice, application, or approval procedure before a new person moves in. A friendly phone call is not the same as written permission.
Use a sublease that matches the primary lease. Do not promise rights you do not have, charge undisclosed fees, or let the subtenant violate house rules that bind you. Keep the original lease, approval, payments, and condition photos.
If the lease prohibits the arrangement or the landlord denies consent, get local tenant advice before proceeding. An unauthorized sublet may be treated as a lease breach.
Sources: SF Rent Board guidance, California Civil Code.