Tenant/Tenant- Can tenant choose new renter?

[wireless-101]

Hi there,

I withdrew from school and spoke with the landlord about having someone take over my lease. The landlord said I could find someone, but that the roommate needs to o.k. it.
(The lease is Aug.31, '08 - Aug. 31st, '09) I live in san diego, ca.

Well I found someone qualified, but the roommate said no because the applicant is a 21 year old student. I've been looking for a week and found only 1 person interested in taking over my lease.

We live near a university, but my roommate doesn't want to live with a student now.
She could spend weeks or months looking for a roommate to be "best friends" with and I would have to continue paying rent each month despite having moved back home.

She is looking for a roomie who's over 30 and she can be friends with. I am looking for someone responsible who can pay rent on time.

1) So can the roommate have all the say in choosing the next tenant?
2) Should I consult an attorney if the roommate isn't being reasonable?
3) What's a reasonable amount of time to find a roommate?

You have a lease with your roommate and the LL. You need everyone's approval to break the lease. If the person is qualified per the LL, perhaps he will take your side and ask the roommate to accept her as a new tenant. Or you could buy out a lease break by paying the LL a fee and letting the other roomate take over the lease by herself. She can take her time finding another roommate, but she'd have to pay the entire rent herself until she does. Mention to her that you intend to approach the LL about a buyout, can she afford the place on her own? If not, perhaps you both need to break the lease and let someone else move in.