Free California Notice to Vacate
California notice to vacate under CCP §1946 (30 days under 1 year, 60 days for 1+ year). For non-exempt tenancies of 12+ months, AB 1482 (Civil Code §1946.2) requires just-cause statement and relocation assistance for no-fault evictions. Many CA cities add stricter local rules.
Free California Notice to Vacate — overview
⚠ California AB 1482 — Just-Cause Requirement
The California Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482) requires landlords of non-exempt tenancies of 12+ months to state a permissible “just cause” reason for termination. A simple no-cause notice will be DISMISSED for non-exempt tenancies. Exemptions include: single-family homes (with proper disclosure), most owner-occupied duplexes/triplexes, hotels, dorms, and properties built within the last 15 years. For non-exempt tenancies, you must state a permissible just-cause reason and (for no-fault evictions) pay relocation assistance equal to one month\’s rent.
A California Notice to Vacate is the standard notice to terminate a California tenancy under CCP §1946. For non-exempt tenancies of 12+ months, Civil Code §1946.2 (AB 1482, Tenant Protection Act of 2019) requires the landlord to state a permissible just-cause reason. Many California cities (LA, SF, Oakland, Berkeley) have local ordinances stricter than state law.
Complete the Notice to Vacate
Complete the form below to generate a California Notice to Vacate. The notice must include the tenant’s full name, complete property address, the statutory deadline to vacate, the legal basis (if required by your state), and proper service. Improperly drafted or served notices can be dismissed by the court and force you to start over.
⚠ Procedural strict-compliance required
Courts strictly enforce notice-to-vacate requirements. Missing the statutory day-count, omitting required language (especially just-cause language where applicable), wrong service method, or failing to identify the basis can result in dismissal of your eviction case. Consult a California landlord-tenant attorney if you have any doubt.
1. Tenant Information
2. Rental Property
3. Basis for Termination
4. Vacate Deadline
California requires 30 days for tenancies under 1 year or 60 days for tenancies of 1 year or more. Calendar days, counted from the day after proper service. Tenancy length determines notice period: 30 days under 1 year, 60 days for 1+ year. Local ordinances may require longer notice periods (LA RSO, SF Rent Ordinance, Oakland JCO etc.).
5. Method of Service
6. Landlord / Agent Signature
About the California Notice to Vacate
California’s notice-to-vacate requirements are among the strictest in the country. CCP §1946 sets the baseline notice period: 30 days for tenancies under 1 year, 60 days for tenancies of 1 year or more. Civil Code §1946.2 (AB 1482, the Tenant Protection Act of 2019) adds significant restrictions for non-exempt tenancies of 12+ months: the landlord must state a permissible just-cause reason for termination, and for no-fault evictions (owner move-in, substantial renovation, withdrawal from rental market, governmental order) must pay relocation assistance equal to one month rent. Exemptions from AB 1482 include: most single-family homes (with proper written disclosure to tenant), owner-occupied duplexes/triplexes, hotels/motels, dorms, properties built within the last 15 years, and certain other categories. Many California cities have local rent-control and just-cause ordinances even stricter than AB 1482 – Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, and others. Always check your local ordinance.
California Notice Framework
- State: CCP §1946 (30 days under 1 yr / 60 days for 1+ yr)
- Just-cause: Civ. Code §1946.2 (AB 1482) for non-exempt 12+ month tenancies
- Relocation assistance: one month rent for no-fault evictions (AB 1482)
- Common AB 1482 exemptions: single-family homes (w/ disclosure), owner-occupied 2-4 unit, <15 yr old buildings
- Local ordinances: LA RSO, SF Rent Ordinance, Oakland JCO, Berkeley RSO, Santa Monica etc.
Common Mistakes That Get Notices to Vacate Dismissed
- Serving a no-cause notice on a non-exempt AB 1482 tenancy (will be DISMISSED)
- Not paying required AB 1482 relocation assistance for no-fault evictions
- Wrong notice period (30 vs 60 days based on tenancy length)
- Missing local ordinance requirements (LA, SF, Oakland have stricter rules)
- Improper service method (must comply with CCP §1162)
- Vague basis statement when just-cause is required
Service Requirements
California requires service under CCP §1162: (1) personal delivery to the tenant; (2) if not at home, leaving with a person of suitable age at the residence AND mailing a copy; or (3) if neither of the above is possible, posting in a conspicuous place AND mailing a copy. Document everything – California courts strictly enforce service requirements and AB 1482 procedural requirements.
What Happens If Tenant Does Not Vacate
If the tenant does not vacate by the deadline, the landlord may file an unlawful detainer action in California Superior Court. The court will set a hearing typically within 14-21 days. The landlord must prove: (1) the tenancy was properly terminated, (2) the notice was procedurally compliant (including AB 1482 just-cause if applicable), (3) proper service, and (4) tenant remained beyond the deadline. If the landlord prevails, the court issues a judgment for possession and writ of possession. Tenants have substantial procedural rights including jury trial; AB 1482 violations are a common defense. CONSULT a California landlord-tenant attorney – CA is one of the most procedurally complex states.
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⚖ Legal Disclaimer
This form is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Eviction is a complex legal proceeding with strict procedural requirements; improper notice or service can dismiss your case. For California tenant resources, visit CA Department of Real Estate and review CCP §1946 and Civ. Code §1946.2. Local tenant resources: LA Housing Department, SF Rent Board. Consult a qualified California landlord-tenant attorney before serving an eviction notice.
