California Lease Termination Letters

California lease termination letters are legal documents a landlord or tenant uses to formally notify the other party of the intention to end a month-to-month rental agreement. The letters must include specific information such as the termination date, notice period, a reference to the lease agreement, and any relevant details regarding the termination process.

Failure to comply with the notice periods may result in legal consequences or financial liabilities for the tenant. Landlords must also follow procedures and timelines when terminating a lease, ensuring they provide proper notice and follow the state’s guidelines to avoid potential legal disputes.

Governing Law: Calif. Civil Code § 1946.1(b) for tenancies over one year; Calif. Civil Code § 1946.1(c) for tenancies under one year.

Ellis Act: This California state law allows landlords to evict tenants if they intend to leave the rental business. The act requires specific procedures and notices and, often, payment of relocation assistance to displaced tenants.

Tenant Protection Act: This state law, which also restricts rent increases, mandates that landlords provide a just cause for evictions, either at-fault or no-fault, particularly for tenants residing in a property for over a year. It ensures that lease termination notices are issued in compliance with defined legal grounds, thereby offering greater protections to tenants.

Required Notice Period:

Month-to-Month Tenancies Over One Year: 60 days.
Month-to-Month Tenancies Under One Year: 30 days.