You have the right to legally terminate your lease under certain conditions, which almost always exist. 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.Renters who break California leases face losing security deposits, owing remaining rent, harming credit, and landlord lawsuits. California Tenants – A Guide to Residential Tenants' and Landlords' Rights and. 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. Here's a brief review of resident rights in California to break a lease without further liability for the rent. You need to pay only the amount of rent the landlord loses because you moved out early. Late Payments: Landlords may charge late fees, but these must be reasonable and included in the rental agreement. Functionally, the law provides a type of grace period. It depends how your lease is worded.