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. When legally justified, tenants can break the lease in California without further rent obligation to the rental agreement or landlord.A landlord can't force you to move out before the lease ends, unless you fail to pay the rent or violate another significant term. If you're deadset on leaving your rental without paying a fee, your best bet is to either find a subletter or transfer your lease. Why? 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. This includes fixed-term and month-to-month leases. Discover how to break your lease without incurring penalties. Our guide provides legal tips, strategies, and steps to exit your lease smoothly and cost-free. In California, tenants have legal protections that allow them to terminate a lease early under certain circumstances. However, statewide eviction moratoriums and COVID lease termination rights have expired.