Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

Unless the expiring lease says something to the contrary, for example if it renews automatically(unusual), then the tenant need give no notice at all, at any time, but simply vacates on or before the expiration date. In order to avoid misunderstandings, I do recommend that the tenant remind the landlord a month or so in advance that the end of the lease term is approaching. As I say, look carefully at the lease itself for any provisions relating to termination and renewal that might alter the ordinary no-notice-required rule for expiring leases.

A specific cannot be given to this question without reviewing your lease. If your lease contains an automatic renewal provision, then that same provision will spell out how much notice you need to give the landlord to opt out of automatic renewal. If the lease does not contain an automatic renewal provision, then no notice is required. The lease ends on the stated expiration date and will not renew unless both parties sign a new lease or a lease renewal or extension agreement.