To break a lease in California without penalty, provide written notice within the specified notice period (typically 30 days) and include a reason for ending the lease. Learn when and how tenants may legally terminate a lease in California, and how to limit liability for rent through the end of the lease term.Landlords in California can't force you to move out before the lease ends unless you fail to pay rent or violate other terms (such as throwing large and noisy parties). In these cases, landlords must follow specific procedures to end the tenancy. You must generally give your landlord notice (usually 30 to 60 days), and you may be required to pay a penalty such as one month's rent. Use the Early Termination Clause. To break a lease without penalty in California, you can use the "uninhabitable" condition as a reason. To break a lease without penalty in California, check if this is allowed under state law. Negotiate with your landlord if possible. You must give a written 30-day notice to your owner.