Subletting a rental is permitted in California if the landlord doesn't expressly prohibit it in the lease agreement. No one is authorized to lease a property except the legal owner.Sublet agreements are with the owner's written permission only no exceptions. Subletting without permission isn't only against your lease contract, I'm fairly sure it's illegal. According to California law, tenants must get their landlord's written permission before subletting their apartment. City law requires the San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) to prepare a Tenant Protection. Guide and make it available on SDHC's website. Subletting the Property: Tenants should carefully review their rights to sublet the property during the terms of their lease agreement. The purpose of the Ordinance is to require Just Cause for termination of residential tenancies consistent with California Civil Code section 1946.2. Before you get too excited and start subletting away, you'll need to obtain your landlord's consent.