Can I sublet or must I assign the lease?

[jazzy79]

Hi,

I currently live an non-regulated apartment in Manhattan and my lease goes on until February 2011. I need to move to California for personal reasons and need to find a legal way to get out of the current lease.

My question: If I find someone qualified to sublet, am I legally required to prove that I intend to come back
after the sublet/lease is over or does that apply only to rent-stabilized
renters? My LL requests proof of my intent to come back and I don't know whether he has the right to do that.

I am aware of the option of assigning a lease, but it looks like my rights are more restricted with assigning as with subleasing.

Thanks a lot for your help..