The landlord tenant laws that allow you to break a lease are different from state to state. In many places, you can get out of your lease without penalty for a number of reasons, such as domestic violence, an unsafe environment, or if you've been called up for military service.
If the lease is solely in your name, you could do a formal eviction of partner vs having to move out. The process varies by state and some cities. But usually you have to give at least 30 days notice and follow the legal steps for it to be enforceable.
Rent caps: Under AB 1482, landlords cannot increase rent more than 5% plus the local CPI or 10% in a 12-month period, whichever is lower, even for month-to-month tenants.
Month-to-Month: This Agreement continues from the commencement date as a month-to-month tenancy. Tenant may terminate the tenancy by giving written notice at least 30 days prior to the intended termination date. Tenant shall be responsible for paying rent through the termination date even if moving out early.
Renewing a Lease If you do nothing, the lease automatically becomes a month-to-month periodic tenancy (Civil Code Section 1945), but the landlord can potentially terminate upon 30 days' notice (although this termination right of the landlord is limited in some cities – see below).
Assured Shorthold Tenancies, or ASTs, are the most common agreement for private rentals, typically lasting six to twelve months. With an AST, your landlord is required to protect your deposit in a government-approved scheme.
Both you and your landlord have rights and responsibilities given by law. The tenancy agreement can give both you and your landlord more than your statutory rights, but can't give you less than your statutory rights.
The tenancy agreement should include: the deposit amount and how it will be protected. when the deposit can be fully or partly withheld, for example to repair damage caused by tenants. the property address. the start and end date of the tenancy. any tenant or landlord obligations. which bills your tenants are responsible for.