Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

There is nothing you can to do force the landlord to let you out of the lease. You chose your roommates - not the landlord, so s/he has no legal obligation to let you out of the lease. That being said, contact the landlord and ask to be released from the lease. If the landlord is easy going, s/he may do so. You need a written release which indicates that you are no longer responsible for the lease in any way. Alternatively, you can attempt to find a new roommate to take over your spot which might make the landlord more likely to let you off the hook; but again, you need that written release from the landlord. If you do not obtain the written release, and you leave, you are still on the hook for the entire amount of rent and any damages you cause to the apartment. Good luck - these are very difficult situations to come out of cleanly.

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There is unfortunately no immediate and obvious way to get out of your legal commitment. I suggest continued negotiation and attempts to replace yourself.