Are there restrictions on a landlord's ability to terminate a lease agreement?

Yes, there are restrictions on a landlord’s ability to terminate a lease agreement in California. According to the California Civil Code, a landlord must give tenants a 30-day notice to move out before a lease can be terminated. This is called a “Notice to Quit” and must provide specific reasons as to why the landlord is terminating the lease. In some cases, landlords may choose to serve a three-day notice to quit instead of a 30-day notice; however, this is only permissible in certain extraordinary circumstances, such as if the tenant has committed a material breach of the lease and has not corrected it after being given written notice. Furthermore, landlords cannot terminate a lease agreement prematurely if the tenant has been a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or elder abuse. In such cases, the tenant may terminate the lease agreement within 30 days of providing proof of the abuse, and the landlord cannot charge a termination fee or collect any remaining rent. In addition, landlords cannot terminate a lease agreement out of retaliation for the tenant asserting their rights or filing a legal action. If a tenant believes that their landlord has illegally terminated their lease, they can file a complaint with the California Department of Consumer Affairs.

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