California Pay Rent or Quit Notice (2026)

California: key facts

Pay Rent or Quit Notice

3 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and judicial holidays (CCP §1161(2)).

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

1. Answer questions about the tenancy and the delivery date. The form checks the California deadline.
2. See a free preview of your notice.
3. Pay once and download PDF + Word, with a Proof of Service and delivery instructions.

Start your document

Frequently asked questions

How many days does a California pay rent or quit notice give the tenant?

3 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and judicial holidays (CCP §1161(2)).

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.

Other states

TexasFloridaNew YorkPennsylvaniaIllinoisOhioGeorgiaNorth CarolinaMichigan

Notice to Vacate · Lease Violation Notice