I didn't know subleasing without permission was illegal so I just had them move in. Most leases prohibit subletting, or only allow it with permission.However, it probably violates the terms of the lease that they signed because most leases prohibit subleasing without approval of the landlord. If you have a lease for a set term, like one year, you can sublet with or without your landlord's permission, unless they prohibit this in the written lease. Yes, you may have legal options to recover the rent you paid to your landlord if they were subletting illegally and pretending to be the owner of the property. Subletting a rental is permitted in California if the landlord doesn't expressly prohibit it in the lease agreement. Comprehensive guide to California landlordtenant law. Learn key rules, rights, and responsibilities for landlords and tenants. No information is available for this page. Here's some language for a sample letter requesting sublet permission.