For tenants leaving a lease — not a listings board
Can I sublet my San Francisco apartment?
For tenants who already have a San Francisco, California lease and need to leave early. Get a sublet or assignment risk score and consent path. This is not a listings board.
- • Instant legality & risk readout
- • Consent strategy based on lease + local norms
- • Optional draft request letter for $19
Leaving without a replacement tenant? Use the San Francisco lease break calculator.
Common questions
- Can I sublet my apartment in San Francisco?
- Usually only with landlord consent and lease compliance. This page is for current San Francisco tenants who already have a lease and need to leave early — not a place to find or post listings. California tenants generally may sublet unless the lease explicitly prohibits it — and even then, absolute bans may be limited. San Francisco rent-controlled units have additional rules: subletting must comply with the SF Rent Ordinance and owner-occupancy requirements may apply.
- What's the difference between a sublet and a lease assignment in San Francisco?
- A sublet keeps you on the master lease while someone else occupies the unit. An assignment transfers the lease to a new tenant (landlord approval still usually required). California rules and your lease decide which path is available.
- I already have a San Francisco lease. Is this the right tool?
- Yes if you need to transfer or temporarily fill your own unit. Confirm legality here first, then use local listing platforms to find a replacement tenant. Unlock the $19 report for a draft consent request letter.