What Is a 3-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit in California?

In California, landlords use a 3-day notice to pay rent or quit when a tenant is behind on rent. If the rent is not paid in three days, the tenant may be evicted. These notices are not court forms, but many of them can be found online. It is good practice to consult an experienced attorney to ensure the form is completed properly.

There are specific pieces of information a landlord must include when he or she issues a tenant a 3-day notice to pay rent or quit. Some examples are that it must:

  • Indicate the full name of all people on the lease
  • List the property’s full address
  • State the exact amount that is owed by the tenant.
  • Give information when the amount is due and where it is to be paid

A 3-day notice to pay rent or quit should not include any money the tenant owes other than the rent. This means no extras should be added on such as late fees, interest or damages. The notice also has to be very specific as to when the money is due, stating it must be paid within 3 days of the notice or the tenant must vacate the premises. The landlord must be sure to include the address where the tenant can pay the rent, as well as the days and times.