[MinorTom]

> Also how does the second illegal thing work, is that subletting basically?

I'm not sure if this is what gp meant, but:

In some cases the current tenant (who is looking to move out) offers you the landlord's contact details if you agree to buy their kitchen for way too much money. This works because for a landlord looking for new tenants is a lot of hassle so they're likely to take you if you contact them.