California Eviction Notice

Notice to pay rent or quit, cure a violation or vacate — with your state's exact notice period, required wording and service rules.

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California rules that this document follows

Nonpayment of rent3 days — 3-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit (business days)Source: Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 1161(2)
Lease violation3 days — tenant may cureSource: Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 1161(3)
Unconditional quit3 days — Nuisance, waste, unlawful subletting, illegal drug activity, unlawful weapons/ammunition, or other incurable breachSource: Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 1161(4)
Permitted service methodspersonal, substituted, posting and mailingSource: Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 1162(a)
Required wordingNotice must state the exact amount of rent due (rent only), the name, telephone number and address of the person to whom payment must be made, and, if payment may be made personally, the usual days and hours that person is available (or an electronic funds transfer procedure if previously used). For tenancies covered by the Tenant Protection Act, a notice to terminate must state the just cause (Civ. Code § 1946.2(b)) and, for curable violations, first give a notice with an opportunity to cure (§ 1946.2(c)). Notices to tenants in units built before a certain date may need to be in the language of the lease negotiation (Civ. Code § 1632).
StatuteCal. Code Civ. Proc. §§ 1161–1179a (Unlawful Detainer); Cal. Civ. Code § 1946.2 (Tenant Protection Act)

Rules current as of 2026-09-07. Statutes change; verify before relying on them.

How to use this Eviction Notice in California

Serve the notice exactly as California law allows and count the days correctly — the deadline is the first thing a judge checks. Do not include late fees in a pay-or-quit amount unless your state permits it. If the tenant pays the full amount in time, the notice is satisfied.

Keep a copy of the notice and the signed proof of service; you will attach both to the court complaint if the tenant does not comply.

Frequently asked questions

How many days' notice for nonpayment of rent in California?

3 days (3-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit), Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 1161(2). Properties covered by the CARES Act require at least 30 days.

How must the notice be delivered?

personal, substituted, posting and mailing. Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 1162(a) Keep the completed proof of service — the court will ask for it.

Can I change the locks or shut off utilities instead?

No. Self-help eviction is illegal in every state and exposes the landlord to damages. After the notice period expires you must file an eviction case in court.

Related documents

Other states

FormsByState provides self-help document templates and general information, not legal advice. We are not a law firm. For advice about your situation consult a licensed attorney in your state.