How to Write a Letter to Tenants Who Have Broken a Lease

by Jenna Marie
    Tenants break a lease when they prematurely end a rental agreement.

    Tenants break a lease when they prematurely end a rental agreement.

    If your tenants have broken your lease agreement and moved out prematurely, you can write them a letter that outlines everyone's rights and responsibilities under California law. The letter also informs them of the next steps in the process for both of you. Learn how to write a comprehensive letter to tenants who break your lease agreement so that your legal rights as a landlord are honored.


    Address the letter to your tenant, and include the full name of everyone listed on the lease. Also include the rental property's street address and unit number, if any. Include the date as well. If they have moved out, locate a forwarding address from the post office.


    Inform the tenants that they have broken the lease agreement by moving out before the lease expired. Cite the lease dates from your copy of the agreement, as well as any relevant text about breaking the lease agreement.


    Ask that the tenants to write you a letter stating why they broke the lease so you can have a record of their reasons. Many reasons, such as moving for a job or avoiding noisy neighbors, don't stand up in court as good reasons to break a lease. Other reasons, such as unlivable conditions, may put more burden on you.


    Inform the tenants that moving out does not absolve them of the responsibility of paying rent. Emphasize that even though they have ended their possession of the rental property, their obligation to pay rent under the lease agreement has not ended. Explain that they are legally bound by the contract to pay rent until the expiration date, whether they live there or not.


    Let the tenants know that under California law, you must attempt to mitigate damages by making reasonable efforts to re-rent the property once they send you a written notice, known as an intent to vacate. State that all expenses related to filling the property because of the broken lease will be charged to them, including advertising and any costs associated with preparing the property for new renters.


    Cite Civil Code 1951.2, which states that the tenants owe the balance of the rent due until you re-rent the property to another tenant. Remind them that as soon as another tenant moves in, they will only be responsible for paying rent for the time they moved out until the time the new renter moves in. State that you will let them know in writing when a new tenant occupies the property.


    Close the letter by stating that if the tenants do not comply with these conditions, as outlined in the lease agreement they signed, you will have no option but to sue them in small claims court.

    Things You Will Need

    • Copy of lease agreement
    • Computer and printer


    • Many renters assume that physically moving out ends the lease agreement automatically. Renters may also assume that if they give you a written notice, they can end the lease. Take the time to explain these myths whenever you sign a lease agreement with new renters to eliminate confusion down the road.


    • Always deliver important letters like this personally or by certified mail. Don't forget to keep copies for yourself and make notes about the date and time of delivery. These documents are important if you end up in court to recover your losses.

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