California Notice to Cure or Quit (3-Day)
Create a free California notice to cure or quit. California requires a 3-day notice to cure or quit. Fill in the details, preview it live, and download a PDF or email it.
California requirement
California requires a 3-day notice to cure or quit. 3-day notice to perform covenant or quit under CCP § 1161(3) for curable lease breaches; the statute likewise reads 'three days' notice, excluding Saturdays and Sundays and other judicial holidays,' so the 3 days EXCLUDE Saturdays, Sundays, and judicial holidays. Under Civ. Code § 1946.2(c), for a tenant protected by just cause, the landlord MUST first serve this cure notice before any notice to quit for a curable violation.
Tenant Name(s)
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⚠ California requires a 3-day notice for a notice to cure or quit; the count runs from the date of SERVICE, and some states exclude weekends/holidays — verify before relying on a date. 3-day notice to perform covenant or quit under CCP § 1161(3) for curable lease breaches; the statute likewise reads 'three days' notice, excluding Saturdays and Sundays and other judicial holidays,' so the 3 days EXCLUDE Saturdays, Sundays, and judicial holidays. Under Civ. Code § 1946.2(c), for a tenant protected by just cause, the landlord MUST first serve this cure notice before any notice to quit for a curable violation.
Notice to Cure or Quit (California)
NOTICE TO CURE OR QUIT
Date of Notice: ________________
From (Landlord/Agent): [LANDLORD/AGENT NAME], [LANDLORD ADDRESS]
To: [TENANT NAME(S)], Tenant(s) in possession of: [PROPERTY ADDRESS]
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that you have violated the lease/rental agreement as follows: [describe the specific lease section and the facts/dates of the violation]. You are required to CORRECT (cure) this violation within 3 days after this notice is served on you, OR to vacate and surrender possession of the property.
If you do not comply with this notice within the time stated, the landlord may begin legal proceedings to recover possession of the property under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §§ 1161, 1162; Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1946, 1946.1, 1946.2 (Tenant Protection Act of 2019 / AB 1482, as amended).
Only a court can order you to move out. The landlord may NOT lock you out, remove your belongings, or shut off your utilities; doing so is illegal.
This notice is given without waiving, and the landlord expressly reserves, all other rights and remedies, including the right to recover unpaid rent and damages.
How this notice may be served: Per CCP § 1162, a notice may be served three ways: (1) personal delivery to the tenant; (2) substituted service — leaving a copy with a person of suitable age and discretion at the residence or business, AND mailing a copy; or (3) post-and-mail ("nail and mail") — affixing a copy in a conspicuous place on the property (and giving a copy to anyone residing there, if present), AND mailing a copy. Substituted and post-and-mail service extend the deadline by the mailing.
_______________________________________
[LANDLORD/AGENT NAME] — Landlord / Authorized Agent
[LANDLORD ADDRESS]
Date: ________________
PROOF OF SERVICE
I served this notice on the tenant(s) on ____________ (date).
Method of service (use a method permitted in your state — see the service note above):
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________ Date: ____________
Signature of person serving the notice
Email yourself a copy (PDF)
Self-help template, not legal advice. You cannot remove a tenant yourself — serve a proper notice and, if needed, file in court. Confirm California and local rules first.
California Notice to Cure or Quit Rules
A Notice to Cure or Quit is used when a tenant has violated the lease in a way that can be fixed (a "curable" breach), such as an unauthorized pet or occupant. It gives the tenant a set number of days to correct the problem or move out.
California requires a 3-day notice to cure or quit. 3-day notice to perform covenant or quit under CCP § 1161(3) for curable lease breaches; the statute likewise reads 'three days' notice, excluding Saturdays and Sundays and other judicial holidays,' so the 3 days EXCLUDE Saturdays, Sundays, and judicial holidays. Under Civ. Code § 1946.2(c), for a tenant protected by just cause, the landlord MUST first serve this cure notice before any notice to quit for a curable violation. The notice is served under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §§ 1161, 1162; Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1946, 1946.1, 1946.2 (Tenant Protection Act of 2019 / AB 1482, as amended).
How to Serve a Notice to Cure or Quit in California
Per CCP § 1162, a notice may be served three ways: (1) personal delivery to the tenant; (2) substituted service — leaving a copy with a person of suitable age and discretion at the residence or business, AND mailing a copy; or (3) post-and-mail ("nail and mail") — affixing a copy in a conspicuous place on the property (and giving a copy to anyone residing there, if present), AND mailing a copy. Substituted and post-and-mail service extend the deadline by the mailing. A defective notice or improper service can get an eviction dismissed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days is a California notice to cure or quit?
California requires a 3-day notice to cure or quit. 3-day notice to perform covenant or quit under CCP § 1161(3) for curable lease breaches; the statute likewise reads 'three days' notice, excluding Saturdays and Sundays and other judicial holidays,' so the 3 days EXCLUDE Saturdays, Sundays, and judicial holidays. Under Civ. Code § 1946.2(c), for a tenant protected by just cause, the landlord MUST first serve this cure notice before any notice to quit for a curable violation.
What happens after I serve the notice?
If the tenant does not comply by the deadline, you can file an eviction case in California court. Only a court order, enforced by a sheriff or constable, can remove the tenant.
Can I email or download the notice?
Yes — fill in the form above, then download the PDF or email a copy to yourself. Serve it on the tenant using a method California allows.
Disclaimer
This California notice to cure or quit generator is a self-help tool for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Confirm California and local requirements before serving.