Finish Break Lease For Free

Here's how to break a lease in California without penalty. Your Lease Contains an Early Termination Clause.You Are Entering Active Military Duty.The Unit Is Uninhabitable, Unsanitary, or Illegal.Your Landlord Has Harassed You or Violated Your Privacy.You Were the Victim of Domestic Violence or Other Qualifying Crimes.

When Breaking a Lease Is Justified in California You or a Family Member Are a Victim of Domestic Violence or Other Specified Crime.You Are Starting Active Military Duty.The Rental Unit Is Unsafe or Violates California Health or Safety Codes.Your Landlord Harasses You or Violates Your Privacy Rights.

If you have no written lease or the written lease does not specify the type of notice you must give the landlord written notice at least 10 days before the next rent is due. For example, if you want to move out March 31, you must give your landlord notice on or before March 21 that you are moving.

Typically, California landlords charge a fee that's equal to one to two months' rent to end a lease early.

How can I end a lease? If you have a 30-day lease, you can end it by giving the landlord 30 days notice that you are going to move. You should put the notice in writing. Date it and sign it. Be sure to keep a copy of the notice.

Cancelling your existing lease agreement You can cancel your existing lease in terms of the Consumer Protection Act (the CPA), section 14, by giving twenty business days' notice, but ensure this is done in writing, said Seeff. You will be responsible for your rent until your notice period ends.

If you have a lease early termination clause, you can break your lease early in exchange for paying a penalty such as one month's rent. If you do not have this clause and break your lease, you will be liable for your landlord's damages.