As a lawyer, I can confirm that a tenant in California can break their lease early. However, they may be required to pay penalties or fees as outlined in the lease agreement.
Under California law, a tenant has the right to terminate their lease if the unit becomes uninhabitable or if the landlord fails to provide essential services. Essential services include water, electricity, gas, and heating. If a tenant decides to break their lease due to such circumstances, they must first give the landlord written notice and an opportunity to fix the problem.
Apart from these circumstances, a tenant may break their lease early if they reach an agreement with the landlord. This agreement is usually in the form of a buyout, where the tenant pays a certain amount to the landlord to be released from the lease agreement.
However, if a tenant breaks their lease without any legal justification, they will be responsible for paying rent for the remaining term of the lease or until a new tenant is found. The landlord has a legal obligation to mitigate the tenant's damages by making reasonable efforts to re-rent the unit.
It is crucial for tenants to review their lease agreement before attempting to break the lease early. The lease agreement may have specific provisions regarding early termination and penalties for doing so. If a tenant is unsure of their rights and obligations, it is advisable to seek legal advice to avoid any potential legal complications.
In summary, a tenant can break their lease early in California, but they may be required to pay penalties or fees as outlined in the lease agreement or under California law. It is essential to review the lease agreement and seek legal advice to avoid any legal consequences.
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