🌴 California 3-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit
Demand for Payment of Rent — First Step in CA Eviction
STRICT ACCURACY REQUIRED: Under California law, a 3-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit must state the exact amount owed — any error in the dollar amount, even by a few cents, can make the notice legally defective and dismissible in court. Do not include future rent, late fees (unless in the lease), or estimates. The 3 days begin the day after service.
📅 Notice Dates
Counting the 3 days: Day 1 begins the day after service. If Day 3 falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or court holiday, the deadline extends to the next court day (CCP § 1161).
👤 Tenant Information
🏠 Rental Property
💰 Rent Amount Owed
Critical: The amount stated must be the exact rent owed — no more, no less. Do not include late fees, utilities, or other charges unless specifically authorized by a written lease provision. Any error can void this notice.
👔 Landlord Information
📬 Proof of Service
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The 3-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit is the first formal step in the California eviction process for nonpayment of rent. Governed by CCP § 1161(2), this notice gives the tenant 3 calendar days to pay the exact amount owed or vacate the premises. Accuracy is critical — California courts routinely dismiss eviction cases over minor errors in the notice amount.
What Must Be Included
- The exact dollar amount of rent owed (verified against your lease)
- The rental period(s) the unpaid rent covers
- Where and to whom rent must be paid
- The property address
- Names of all tenants (and all other occupants)
- Landlord name, address, and contact information
AB 1482 and Rent-Controlled Properties
If your property is covered by AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act of 2019) or a local rent control ordinance, additional requirements may apply. Properties in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Santa Monica, and many other cities have city-specific just cause eviction requirements. Consult an attorney before proceeding with eviction in any rent-controlled jurisdiction.
Counting the 3 Days Correctly
- Day 1 begins the day after the notice is served — not the day of service
- If Day 3 falls on a weekend or court holiday, the deadline extends to the next court day
- Filing an unlawful detainer (UD) complaint before the deadline expires will result in dismissal
⚖ Legal Disclaimer
This form is for informational purposes only. California eviction law is highly technical — errors in notices routinely result in case dismissal. Properties subject to rent control ordinances or AB 1482 have additional requirements. Consult a qualified California attorney or landlord-tenant specialist before serving any eviction notice.
