California 60 Day Notice to Vacate

Last Updated: September 7, 2022 by Marnie Snyder

California 60 Day Notice to Vacate is a letter written by either party to end a tenancy of one (1) year or more with at least 60 calendar days notice. Landlords cannot use this notice for just cause, but it can be used if the premises are exempt from AB 1482.

When to Use a California 60 Day Notice to Vacate

In California, in tenancies of one (1) year or more, a landlord cannot use this lease termination notice unless the rental premises meets one of the legal exemptions under AB 1482, which is also known as the Tenant Protection Act of 2019.

A tenant may use this lease termination letter to end a tenancy of one (1) year or more, including a month-to-month lease.

A California 60 Day Notice to Vacate form is used by either party to terminate a tenancy of one (1) year or more regardless of the rent payment frequency. This lease termination letter may also be used for tenants with an expired lease. This letter must be served by either party at least sixty (60) calendar days prior to the end of the lease or before the termination date set forth in the notice.

For at fault just cause (i.e. unpaid rent or lease violations), the landlord shall provide the tenant with an eviction notice rather than a lease termination notice.

For no fault just cause (i.e. substantial remodel or demolition work) in a tenancy of one (1) year or more, the landlord should only use the California Lease Termination Notice for No Fault Just Cause.

How to Write a California 60 Day Notice to Vacate

For a lease termination notice to be legally compliant:

  1. State who the legal letter is addressed to (use full name of the receiving party).
  2. Include the termination date of the lease or tenancy.
  3. Fill in the full address of the rental premises.
  4. For tenants, provide your new address and an updated phone number.
  5. Sign the notice and print your name.
  6. For landlords, include contact information, such as address and phone number.
  7. Complete the certificate of service by indicating the date and method of notice delivery along with printed name and signature.

Without this information on the notice, a judge may not be able to proceed with legal action.

How to Serve a California 60 Day Notice to Vacate

A landlord or a tenant may deliver the notice in California using any of the below acceptable methods:

  1. Handing the notice to the other party in person;
  2. Handing the notice to a person who can accept the legal letter on behalf of the other party;
  3. Mailing the notice by certified or registered mail with a return receipt.

When sending the notice by certified or registered mail, add five (5) additional calendar days to the notice period to account for variability in post office delivery times.

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