The landlord says that subletting is the only option: If a landlord says that a tenant is not allowed to break a lease, but instead must sublet, then that's not allowed under the law, but it's hard for the tenant to prove, since it was a verbal conversation.

Why is subletting illegal?

Is Subletting Illegal? In most cases, subletting is legal if the tenant obtains the landlords permission to let out the rental property. However, if the tenant sublets without written permission, they could come into legal difficulties.

What happens if you illegally sublets?

What Happens If A Sublet Doesn't Pay Rent? ... Depending on who the lease declares responsible, you can then pursue rent collection with a notice of nonpayment of rent. If your property has been sublet illegally, the original tenant is still responsible for all rent.