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.
There are exceptions where you can end your lease early without paying for the entire lease term. These include giving proper notice, military transfers, domestic abuse, health reasons, unsafe living conditions, landlord harassment, tenant death, and voidable leases.
For the most part, the only way to break a lease without penalty is to negotiate with your landlord and hope they let you. Otherwise, even if you leave you are still responsible for rent until your landlord can find a replacement.
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.
5 Reasons Tenants Want to Break a Lease Agreement 1: Active Military Duty. Active military duty is one of the few times when a tenant is able to legally break a lease without penalty. 2: The Tenant Unexpectedly Becomes Unemployed. 3: Job Transfer. 4: The Tenant Has Found Another Home. 5: Environmental Factors.
For the most part, the only way to break a lease without penalty is to negotiate with your landlord and hope they let you. Otherwise, even if you leave you are still responsible for rent until your landlord can find a replacement.
How to Legally Break a Lease 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.
Breaking a lease, for whatever reason, will not automatically result in a derogatory mark on your credit history. Potential credit problems arise when any incurred debt isn't repaid to the landlord, prompting the landlord to turn the account over to a collections agency.