A California sublease agreement allows you (the tenant) to rent out all or a portion of the property you’re renting to another person who wasn’t a part of the original lease. You should check your original lease agreement to see if you can sublet your apartment. In California, subletting typically requires your landlord’s written consent. If your lease says you can’t sublet, don’t risk potential legal issues by subletting.
The new tenant (known as the “subtenant” or “sublessee”) has to honor the terms of the sublease agreement (as well as the original lease) and follow all California laws regarding the eviction process, security deposits, and all other landlord-tenant matters.