Landlord intentionally ignoring termites--what do I do? (California, USA)

Location: California, USA.

I am currently a subletter on a lease from December 2026-June 2026 in a college town.

I recently got a job and am moving in with family about 1 hour way. I no longer need this lease. I want/wanted to find someone to sublet.

Since January, I have spoken to the landlord regarding termites, their piles ONLY visible in my room. Termites go beyond this, but I am the only one dealing with them and having to sweep every day. I have emailed him repeatedly. Finally, he got an inspector to come early March 2026. He gets the quote back, ignores the issue again. Asks to come see the termites himself. Shows up and gives them a light spritz of Borax. We have an email confirming this was his treatment.

I have pictures and timestamps about bringing this issue to his attention. I have alerted him regarding CA law in an email: "A dwelling shall be deemed untenantable for purposes of Section 1941 if it substantially lacks any of the following affirmative standard characteristics or is a residential unit described in Section 17920.3 or 17920.10 of the Health and Safety Code: (6) Building, grounds, and appurtenances at the time of the commencement of the lease or rental agreement, and all areas under control of the landlord, kept in every part clean, sanitary, and free from all accumulations of debris, filth, rubbish, garbage, rodents, and vermin*.*" He responded to this email requested a second inspector.

He is now talking about having people tour the place (none of us are renewing). I honestly doubt he will do anything.

I have to be transparent with potential subletters that there's termites. I didn't list the room in hopes that real dates to tent the place would be in place for subletter ease of mind. Regardless of health impacts, its absolutely disgusting. I do not want to pay 2 more months of rent for a room I don't need, and a room that has unlivable conditions. He is not aware I'd like to sublet, my issue is he is ignoring termites. Even if I didn't need to sublet, I would get out.

I am going to call him to ask directly what he will do and ask to him to email this response. I have kept photos, timestamps, and messages. I am considering breaking my lease but I worry about the outcome financially. Ideally, this room didn't have termites and I could sublet like normal. If he ignores this second inspector, I need to seriously evaluate my options.

TLDR: Termites in a room I want to get out of (new job). I already need to leave but can't find subletters in this condition. Landlord doesn't care and is not doing anything about it. Need support.