Leaving A Lease Early
Civ. Code 1946.7 — out after domestic violence or another listed crime, owing no more than 14 days' rent
When a California tenant breaches and abandons before the term ends, the lease terminates and the landlord recovers the unpaid rent earned, and future rent only to the extent it exceeds what the tenant proves could reasonably have been avoided, plus other damages the breach caused.
A tenant may give notice to end the tenancy when the tenant, a household member or an immediate family member was the victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, elder or dependent adult abuse, or a crime that caused bodily injury or death, involved a weapon, or involved force or a threat of force.
180 days, and 14 days' rent. The written notice attaches a protective order, a police report, or the other documentation the section allows, and is given within 180 days of the order, report or act. The tenant owes rent for no more than 14 calendar days after the notice and is released from any further rent or payment under the lease.
Sources for this section (2)
- Civ. Code 1951.2 — Lessor's damages after a lessee's breach and abandonment
- Civ. Code 1946.7 — Ending a tenancy after domestic violence or other crimes
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed California attorney.