Landlord wants to terminate lease early

[Kayla Shock]

Hello Fellow Property Managers,

I started my property management company earlier this year and currently manage several properties in Sonoma County, California. I have a landlord who wants to terminate a 12-month lease early so they can move back into the property. Is this possible? What is the process? I have been researching this all day and keep getting different answers. I appreciate any help you can provide.

Thank you,

Kayla

[Arvand Sabetian]

As others have already stated, you would need to get the tenants to agree. A termination agreement with a defined move out date. The landlord needs to provide just cause for wanting to terminate an existing lease. This would be considered a no fault just cause eviction since it's based on the landlord's actions--wanting to move back into the property. The reason should be communicated to the tenants.

Since this is a case where the landlord wishes to terminate the lease early, the landlord may want to consider offering a cash incentive to the tenants.

If the tenant doesn't agree, they're legally allowed to remain tenants until the remainder of the lease. Make sure to the landlord is aware they will need to issue a 30/60 day notice prior to the lease expiring.