My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: CA
We signed a lease in March 2012 for one year to expire March 1, 2013. We are model tenants. Yesterday, the owner of the house contacts my husband, and says that he and his girlfriend are splitting up and he wants the house back. He wants to meet to discuss how we can negotiate out of the lease to everyone's benefit.
We wish to be amicable, we understand the man's predicament, but we have nearly 8 months left on our lease, and the costs inherent in moving are significant, as were the deposits we made prior to moving in. The other concern is the available rental market--we are uncertain that we will be able to find a decent rental immediately.
I have read two different responses to similar posts in different forums/blogs. I have heard that in no way does the LL have a legal leg to stand on, and in contrast, that if a LL wants the property back for his own personal residence, he can legally break the lease.
Again, our desire is not to have things get ugly, and would consider a lease buy out with ample notice to find an appropriate home, but if his proposal is anything BUT beneficial to us (ie. costs us money to move--out of deposits, etc.) then we may need to stand ground, and wonder what our legal rights are? Also, what would be considered a reasonable lease buy out?
Thanks.

