California Eviction Notice
California Eviction Notice Requirements
California requires 3 days' notice for nonpayment of rent before a landlord can file an eviction case.
Eviction notice periods in California
California requires strict compliance with its notice statute — courts have thrown out eviction cases over small notice defects, so accuracy matters more here than in most states.
A pay-or-quit notice gives the tenant 3 days (excluding weekends and judicial holidays) to pay the exact rent owed or move out. The notice may only state rent — not late fees, utilities, or other charges.
Many California cities (including Los Angeles and San Francisco) have their own additional just-cause and notice rules on top of state law — always check local ordinances too.
Reference: California Code of Civil Procedure §1161. This is general educational information, not legal advice — many cities have their own additional rules. Confirm current California and local requirements before serving notice.
California key points
- 3-day pay-or-quit notices may only demand rent — not fees, utilities, or other charges.
- The 3-day count excludes weekends and judicial holidays.
- Courts require strict compliance; a technical notice defect can defeat the eviction case.
- City-level rules (LA, SF, and others) may add further protections beyond state law.
How to create your California eviction notice
- 1. Open the iRunDocs eviction notice generator with California selected — the notice period fills in automatically.
- 2. Choose the notice type (nonpayment, lease violation, or unconditional quit).
- 3. Enter the landlord, tenant, and property details.
- 4. Review the PDF preview, download, and serve it following California's delivery rules.
Frequently asked questions
How many days' notice for nonpayment of rent in California?
3 days (excluding weekends and judicial holidays) to pay the exact rent owed or move out, under Code of Civil Procedure §1161(2).
Can a California pay-or-quit notice include late fees?
No. The notice may only state the rent amount owed — not late fees, utilities, parking, or other charges.
Do California cities have their own eviction rules?
Yes. Cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco have additional just-cause and notice requirements beyond state law — check local ordinances.
Eviction notice periods in other states
iRunDocs provides document tools and educational information. It is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.