Early lease termination request letter (California)

Not automatically. A fixed-term lease is a contract, and moving out early without a legal exemption or your landlord's agreement is a breach. California law does recognize specific protected grounds — domestic violence/abuse (Civil Code § 1946.7), military orders (the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, 50 U.S.C. § 3955), and uninhabitable conditions (Civil Code §§ 1941, 1941.1) — that let you terminate early without owing the full remaining rent.

Not necessarily the full remaining rent. Under Civil Code § 1951.2, a landlord who wants damages after a tenant leaves early must make reasonable efforts to re-rent the unit (mitigate damages) rather than let it sit empty and bill you for the whole term. You're generally liable for rent until the unit is re-rented or the lease term ends, whichever is first, plus the landlord's reasonable re-renting costs.

Under Civil Code § 1946.7, your tenancy terminates no later than 14 days after you give written notice along with qualifying documentation — a protective order, a police report no older than 180 days, or a written statement from a qualified third party such as a counselor or advocate. You owe rent only through that termination date, not the rest of the lease.

The federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. § 3955) lets service members terminate a residential lease early after receiving permanent change of station or deployment orders of 90+ days. Give written notice with a copy of your orders; termination takes effect 30 days after the next rent due date following that notice.

Only if it's reasonable and reflects an actual estimate of the landlord's likely loss — under Civil Code § 1671, a penalty-like fee unrelated to real damages can be unenforceable. Many landlords will negotiate a specific buyout figure or accept a qualified replacement tenant instead; put whatever you agree to in writing.