California Notice to Vacate (2026)
California notice to vacate: 30 days (a tenant under 1 year) or 60 days (all tenants 1 year or more) (Civil Code §1946.1). Under AB 1482: just cause and relocation assistance. Personal delivery; substituted service plus mailing; or posting plus mailing (CCP §1162).
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California: key facts
- Notice to Vacate
- 30 days (a tenant under 1 year) or 60 days (all tenants 1 year or more) (Civil Code §1946.1). Under AB 1482: just cause and relocation assistance.
- How to deliver
- Personal delivery; substituted service plus mailing; or posting plus mailing (CCP §1162).
- Required wording
- Termination notices must include the abandoned-property statement (Civil Code §1946.1(h)).
- Federal rules
- Properties with a federally backed mortgage or federal program may need 30 days' notice; HUD-subsidized housing is not supported.
- Only a court can evict
- Never change locks, remove belongings or shut off utilities.
Official sources: Cal. CCP §1161 · Cal. CCP §1162 · Cal. Civil Code §1946.1 · Last reviewed: October 2026
How it works
- Answer questions about the tenancy and the delivery date. The form checks the California deadline.
- See a free preview of your notice.
- Pay once and download PDF + Word, with a Proof of Service and delivery instructions.
Frequently asked questions
- How many days does a California notice to vacate give the tenant?
- 30 days (a tenant under 1 year) or 60 days (all tenants 1 year or more) (Civil Code §1946.1). Under AB 1482: just cause and relocation assistance.
- How do I deliver an eviction notice in California?
- Personal delivery; substituted service plus mailing; or posting plus mailing (CCP §1162).
- What if I give too few days?
- A notice that gives fewer days than the law requires is invalid and the court case can be dismissed. Our form calculates the earliest allowed date and blocks earlier ones; giving more days is generally fine.
- Can I change the locks or remove the tenant myself?
- No. Only a court can order an eviction. Self-help evictions are illegal.
- Can I get it in Spanish?
- Yes. You serve the signed English notice; you also get a Spanish translation you may hand over as a courtesy, plus Spanish instructions.
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