Breaking a lease in San Francisco
Free tools for California tenants — estimate early exit costs, check sublet legality, then unlock draft notices or a full ranked exit plan.
- ✓ Instant cost range — no signup
- ✓ Local mitigation & consent context
- ✓ Upgrade to draft notice ($19) or full plan ($49)
Break a lease in San Francisco
Estimate your early termination cost after landlord mitigation. Most renters start here.
Calculate my cost — free →Is subletting legal in San Francisco?
Risk score and consent strategy — not apartment listings. Know your options before you advertise.
Check legality — free →San Francisco lease exit overview
California landlords must make reasonable efforts to re-rent after a tenant breaks a lease. You remain liable for rent until a new tenant is found, minus what the landlord collects, plus allowable costs under Civil Code §1951.2.
California tenants generally may sublet unless the lease explicitly prohibits it — and even then, absolute bans may be limited. San Francisco rent-controlled units have additional rules: subletting must comply with the SF Rent Ordinance and owner-occupancy requirements may apply.
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Common questions
- How much does it cost to break a lease in San Francisco?
- It depends on remaining rent, your lease terms, and whether the landlord must mitigate damages in California. Use the free calculator above for a personalized range. California landlords must make reasonable efforts to re-rent after a tenant breaks a lease. You remain liable for rent until a new tenant is found, minus what the landlord collects, plus allowable costs under Civil Code §1951.2.
- Does my landlord have to re-rent the unit if I leave early in San Francisco?
- Many California jurisdictions require landlords to mitigate damages by making reasonable efforts to re-rent. Your lease and local rules still control — the calculator and full report explain common considerations for San Francisco.
- Is a lease break calculator enough, or do I need a full exit plan?
- The free estimate shows a cost range. The $19 report adds a full mitigation checklist and draft notice. For ranked strategies (sublet, assignment, buyout, negotiation), use the free lease advisor and optional $49 plan package.