Discuss your situation with your landlord. Be honest, give as much notice as possible, and offer to work with them. They may be willing to let you out of your lease without paying a penalty.
When Breaking a Lease is Justified in California. State law (Cal. Civ. Code § 1946.7) provides early termination rights for tenants who are victims of domestic or sexual violence, stalking, or elder abuse, provided that specified conditions are met (such as the tenant securing a temporary restraining order).
In California, tenants may be able to legally break their lease before its expiration date if they have a justified reason. Justified reasons for breaking a lease are typically related to issues that make the unit uninhabitable or create an unsafe or untenable living situation.
Follow these simple steps when you write a lease termination letter. Date and Address. Salutation. Statement of Intent. Reason for Early Termination. Reference to Lease Agreement. Security Deposit Details. Proposed Termination Date. Offer to Assist With the Transition.
How to Write One Full names of the parties involved in the lease agreement. Termination date of the lease. Full address of the property. (If applicable) The reason why you chose to terminate the lease agreement. Landlord's signature and printed name. The current date and method of notice delivery.
How to write a California lease agreement Identify the parties involved. Clearly state the names and contact information of both the landlord and the prospective tenant. Define the rental property. Specify the lease term. Outline rent and payment terms. Include important provisions. Comply with legal requirements.
What are good reasons for breaking a lease early? If your apartment is unsafe or violates health codes. If living in the apartment puts your health at risk, you may be able to break the lease and move. You start active military duty and are called to deploy. Your landlord enters your home without advance notice.
Fixed-Term Leases: Tenants typically do not need to provide notice when the lease term expires, as the agreement automatically ends unless otherwise specified. However, for early termination, tenants should provide as much notice as possible—typically 30 days or more—unless the lease specifies otherwise.
A landlord uses a 60-day Notice to Quit if their tenant has been renting for 1 year or more. In many cases, landlords can't cancel a month-to-month tenancy for just any reason. They will need a just cause if required the Tenant Protection Act of 2019.
The law requires that notice to terminate a rental contract must be given in writing. No specific legal format is required but a registered letter is the surest way. This notice must be sent by post three (complete) months before the date of the end of the lease.