Breaking a Lease for Domestic Violence in LA (Civil Code §1946.7)

California gives survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, elder or dependent-adult abuse, and human trafficking a specific legal right to get out of a lease early, without owing rent for the months after you leave. This guide walks through how that right works under Cal. Civil Code §1946.7, what documentation you need, and the related right to change your locks.

The right to terminate early

Under Civil Code §1946.7, a tenant who is a victim (or has a household member who is a victim) of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, elder or dependent-adult abuse, or human trafficking may end a lease early by giving the landlord written notice and required documentation. Your responsibility for rent generally ends 14 days after you give that notice, even if your lease term or your notice period would otherwise run longer. Other tenants named on the lease remain responsible for their own share unless they qualify separately.

The documentation you need

You must provide the landlord with a copy of one of the following, dated within the last 180 days:

• A copy of a temporary restraining order, emergency protective order, or protective order;
• A copy of a written report by a peace officer stating that you or your household member has filed a report alleging you are a victim; or
• Documentation from a qualified third party — a health practitioner, domestic violence counselor, sexual assault counselor, or human trafficking caseworker — stating that you are seeking assistance related to the abuse or trafficking, based on that professional's own observation or your statement to them.

You do not have to disclose the details of the incident itself to your landlord — only the qualifying documentation. Landlords are required to keep this information confidential and generally cannot disclose it except as required by law.

Changing the locks

Separately, Civil Code §1941.5 and §1941.6 let a tenant who reasonably believes they or a household member face an imminent threat of harm from another tenant or household member request that the landlord change the locks, or change them yourself with prompt notice to the landlord, generally within 24 hours of a qualifying request or documentation being provided.

What this doesn't do

Early termination under §1946.7 ends your ongoing rent obligation — it doesn't erase rent you already owed before the notice, and it doesn't automatically get you your security deposit back any faster than the normal 21-day, itemized-statement process under Civil Code §1950.5. It also doesn't require the landlord to release any co-tenant who isn't themselves a qualifying victim from their own share of the lease.

Where to get help

If you're in this situation, a domestic violence advocate or legal aid attorney can help you assemble documentation and communicate with your landlord safely. In Los Angeles, the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) and local organizations like the LA County Domestic Violence Council network can connect you with both safety planning and housing-specific help. Legal aid organizations such as Bet Tzedek and the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles also handle these cases.

Frequently asked questions

How much notice do I have to give my landlord?

You give written notice along with the required documentation. Your rent responsibility ends 14 days after that notice, regardless of what your lease or ordinary notice period would otherwise require.

Do I have to tell my landlord what happened to me?

No. You only need to provide one of the qualifying documents — a protective order, a police report, or a qualified professional's written statement. You are not required to describe the incident itself to your landlord, and the law requires your landlord to keep this documentation confidential.

Does this apply if my roommate, not me, is the victim?

The law covers a tenant whose household member is a victim, so a qualifying tenant living with the person affected can generally use this protection too, with the same documentation requirements.

Will I still owe rent for the time before I moved out?

Yes — this right ends your obligation going forward from 14 days after notice, it doesn't cancel rent that was already due before that.

Can my landlord evict me for calling the police about domestic violence?

No. California law prohibits landlords from terminating a tenancy or refusing to renew because a tenant or their household member was a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, or because they called for police or emergency assistance.

This guide is educational information, not legal advice. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Facts current as of 2026; verify current requirements with a domestic violence advocate or attorney before relying on them.