California 3 Day Notice To Quit

Last Updated: January 16, 2024 by Roberto Valenzuela

A California 3 Day Notice To Quit is a letter that complies with state legal requirements to begin eviction against a tenant for nonpayment of rent. The tenant must pay the balance due or move out within three (3) judicial days (i.e., not counting weekends or court holidays) of receiving notice.

When To Use a California 3 Day Notice To Quit

A California 3 Day Notice To Quit begins the eviction process when the tenant is late on rent. A landlord may deliver this notice when any portion of the rent is unpaid on the day after it’s normally due.

Some types of California lease termination notice may allow different reasons for termination, or different notice periods. This may also apply to an eviction notice issued because of a lease or legal violation.

How To Write a California 3 Day Notice To Quit

To help ensure the legal compliance of a Notice To Quit:

  1. Use the full name of the receiving parties, and address of record, if known
  2. Specify the basis upon which the tenancy will terminate, and the payment amount required to avoid termination
  3. Specify the termination date of the lease or tenancy
  4. Fill in the full address of the rental premises
  5. Provide updated/current address and phone number information
  6. Print name and sign the notice
  7. Complete the certificate of service by indicating the date and method of notice delivery, along with printed name and signature

It is easy to lose an otherwise justified legal action because of improper notice. Check carefully to ensure enough time after notice is delivered, not when it’s sent.

How To Serve a California 3 Day Notice To Quit

California landlords may deliver a Notice To Quit using any of these methods:

  1. Hand delivery to the other party at their residence or usual place of business
  2. Only if direct hand delivery fails: Hand delivery to a person of suitable age on the property who can accept the notice on behalf of the other party, PLUS delivery by regular mail
  3. Only if both direct AND indirect hand delivery fail: Posting at a conspicuous place on the premises, such as the entry door, PLUS delivery by regular mail, PLUS (if possible) handing a copy of the notice to a person who resides at the property

To account for variable delivery times, mailed notice extends the notice period by five (5) calendar days.

note
In almost all cases, notice is legally served when it is received by the other party, NOT when it’s sent. Check specified date of termination carefully to ensure compliance with the legal requirements for a notice period.

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