If a tenant or member of the household was a victim of an act of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, elder abuse or human trafficking, the tenant can terminate the tenancy with 14 days written notice to the landlord.
The tenant is required to attach to the notice to terminate the tenancy a copy of a temporary restraining order or protective order that protects the tenant or household member from further domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, elder abuse, or human trafficking or to attach a report by a peace officer stating that the tenant or household member has filed a report alleging he/she or the household member is a victim of domestic violence, stalking, elder abuse, human trafficking or sexual assault. This law extends these provisions indefinitely and would reduce the time limit for a tenant to give a notice of intent to vacate to the landlord under these provisions from 30 days to 14 days. Thus, the tenant would be responsible for only 14 days payment of rent following delivery of the notice. Having given the notice, the tenant is released from any rent payment obligation under the lease or rental agreement without penalty. Assembly Bill 418. Codified as Civil Code §1946.7. Effective date is January 1, 2016.