What term describes the legal process of terminating a lease before the expiration date?

The process of terminating a lease before its expiration date is most accurately referred to as "early termination." This term specifically captures the essence of ending a lease agreement prior to the agreed-upon date, which can occur for various reasons, including mutual agreement between the landlord and tenant, or because of specific conditions outlined in the lease that allow for such an action.

When considering other terminology, "eviction" specifically refers to a legal process initiated by the landlord to remove a tenant from the premises for reasons such as non-payment of rent or violation of lease terms; it does not describe the voluntary or mutual decision to end a lease early. "Lease termination" is a broader term that could refer to the conclusion of a lease at its natural expiration or its voluntary ending but does not specifically denote the early aspect. "Breach of lease" indicates that one party has violated the terms of the lease agreement, often leading to termination, but is not itself the process of ending the lease early.

Therefore, "early termination" is the most precise term to describe the legal process of ending a lease prior to its expiration.