Can a California lease end early?
Yes, in several circumstances. By mutual written agreement between the landlord and tenant, at any time. By the tenant with a statutory early-termination right (active-duty military under the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, domestic violence survivors in most states, habitability breaches where the unit is uninhabitable). By the landlord for breach after serving a compliant 3 days for pay-or-quit under CCP 1161(2), 30 days for no-fault termination (60 for tenancies over 1 year) under AB 1482 eviction notice. In California, an early termination without statutory cause usually requires the tenant to pay rent until the unit is re-rented, subject to the landlord's duty to mitigate damages.
Source: California landlord-tenant code
This is an informational answer based on California landlord-tenant code as of early 2026. It is not legal advice. Housing law changes year to year and local ordinances (especially in rent-controlled or rent-stabilized cities) can override or add to state law. For contested cases, consult a California-licensed attorney.