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. We moved into a place on September 1st and signed a one year lease, but we need to move out now and are unclear about the early termination process.Use the Early Termination Clause. 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. In California, there are certain situations in which you can legally break your lease before it's up without your landlord agreeing to it. The law says 30 days' notice is required if you are month-to-month. In California, there are a few circumstances where a tenant may be able to legally break a lease early without penalty: 1. 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. California tenants can legally terminate their lease if their landlord demonstrates harassing behavior that prevents them from living peacefully in their unit. 1946.7 allows you to notify your landlord, break the lease, move out, and no longer be required to pay rent. 3.