Cal. Civ. Code § 534.347
Unauthorized sublessor or assignor of leased premises, double damages, when
Operative Text
In any action against any tenant to recover rent, or possession of any premises pursuant to chapter 534 or 535, if it appears from the evidence that such tenant allowed another person or persons to come into sole possession of any lands or tenements under or by collusion with such tenant and without the permission of the landlord, the court may, in addition to the rent due, allow the prevailing party damages not to exceed twice the amount of the rent due. Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the landlord's ability to recover attorney's fees, other expenses or damages, or to pursue other remedies provided in the lease.
Missouri Revised Statutes § 534.347 addresses situations where a tenant allows another person to take sole possession of a rental property without the landlord's permission and without going through proper channels. When a court finds that such an unauthorized transfer of possession occurred, it has the discretion to award the prevailing party up to twice the amount of rent owed, on top of any rent already due. The provision also makes clear that this double-damages remedy does not cap or replace other remedies—such as attorney's fees or additional damages—that may be available under the lease or other law.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 534.347, landlords who discover that a tenant has allowed another party to take sole possession of the rental unit without authorization may have grounds to pursue enhanced damages in court. A compliant operator generally keeps clear records of who is authorized to occupy the premises, maintains written subletting and assignment policies in the lease, and documents any evidence of unauthorized transfers of possession. If a court finds the unauthorized arrangement was made under collusion or without the landlord's permission, it may award up to double the rent due, and the statute expressly preserves the landlord's right to also seek attorney's fees and other lease-based remedies.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Mo. Rev. Stat. § 534.347 sets out significant consequences for tenants who allow someone else to take sole possession of a rental unit without the landlord's knowledge or consent. Tenants generally have the right to understand what their lease says about subletting or assigning the premises, and whether the landlord's permission is required before any such arrangement is made. If a landlord brings an action under this provision, a tenant facing such a claim may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid service to understand what defenses or procedural rights may be available in their situation.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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