California Notice to Terminate Tenancy (No Cause) (60-Day)
Create a free California notice to terminate tenancy (no cause). California requires a 60-day notice to terminate tenancy (no cause). Fill in the details, preview it live, and download a PDF or email it.
California requirement
California requires a 60-day notice to terminate tenancy (no cause). No-fault termination of a month-to-month tenancy: 60 days' notice if the tenant has occupied the unit 1 year or more; 30 days if less than 1 year (Civ. Code § 1946.1). However, for units covered by AB 1482, after 12 months of occupancy the landlord must also have a statutory just cause (no-fault grounds are limited and may require relocation assistance/rent waiver). The generic § 1946 30-day rule is superseded by § 1946.1's 30/60-day scheme for residential tenancies.
Tenant Name(s)
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⚠ California requires a 60-day notice for a notice to terminate tenancy (no cause); the count runs from the date of SERVICE, and some states exclude weekends/holidays — verify before relying on a date. No-fault termination of a month-to-month tenancy: 60 days' notice if the tenant has occupied the unit 1 year or more; 30 days if less than 1 year (Civ. Code § 1946.1). However, for units covered by AB 1482, after 12 months of occupancy the landlord must also have a statutory just cause (no-fault grounds are limited and may require relocation assistance/rent waiver). The generic § 1946 30-day rule is superseded by § 1946.1's 30/60-day scheme for residential tenancies.
⚠ California has a just-cause eviction law: a no-cause termination may be invalid unless you state a qualifying reason. Yes — statewide just cause under the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482), Civ. Code § 1946.2 (since amended, e.g., AB 12/SB 567 operative April 1, 2024; current sunset Jan 1, 2030). After a tenant has continuously and lawfully occupied a residential unit for 12 months (24 months if adult tenants are added later), the owner may terminate only for an enumerated at-fault or no-fault just cause, which must be stated in the written notice. Many newer units (built within the last 15 years, rolling), most single-family homes/condos owned by non-corporate owners with proper exemption notice, and owner-occupied duplexes are exempt. Some cities (e.g., LA, SF, Oakland) impose stricter local just-cause ordinances.
Notice to Terminate Tenancy (No Cause) (California)
NOTICE TO TERMINATE TENANCY (NO CAUSE)
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 your month-to-month tenancy is terminated. You are required to vacate and surrender possession of the property within 60 days after this notice is served on you. This notice ends the tenancy; rent remains due through the termination date.
Qualifying reason for termination (required in California): [YOU MUST STATE A QUALIFYING JUST-CAUSE REASON — a no-cause termination is generally NOT valid in this state. Confirm whether the unit is exempt or state an allowed at-fault or no-fault ground.]
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.
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 Terminate Tenancy (No Cause) Rules
A Notice to Terminate Tenancy (also called a notice to vacate or non-renewal) ends a month-to-month tenancy without alleging fault. The landlord must give the state's required advance notice. Some states (and cities) require "just cause" and limit no-fault terminations.
California requires a 60-day notice to terminate tenancy (no cause). No-fault termination of a month-to-month tenancy: 60 days' notice if the tenant has occupied the unit 1 year or more; 30 days if less than 1 year (Civ. Code § 1946.1). However, for units covered by AB 1482, after 12 months of occupancy the landlord must also have a statutory just cause (no-fault grounds are limited and may require relocation assistance/rent waiver). The generic § 1946 30-day rule is superseded by § 1946.1's 30/60-day scheme for residential tenancies. 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).
Just cause: Yes — statewide just cause under the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482), Civ. Code § 1946.2 (since amended, e.g., AB 12/SB 567 operative April 1, 2024; current sunset Jan 1, 2030). After a tenant has continuously and lawfully occupied a residential unit for 12 months (24 months if adult tenants are added later), the owner may terminate only for an enumerated at-fault or no-fault just cause, which must be stated in the written notice. Many newer units (built within the last 15 years, rolling), most single-family homes/condos owned by non-corporate owners with proper exemption notice, and owner-occupied duplexes are exempt. Some cities (e.g., LA, SF, Oakland) impose stricter local just-cause ordinances.
How to Serve a Notice to Terminate Tenancy (No Cause) 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 terminate tenancy (no cause)?
California requires a 60-day notice to terminate tenancy (no cause). No-fault termination of a month-to-month tenancy: 60 days' notice if the tenant has occupied the unit 1 year or more; 30 days if less than 1 year (Civ. Code § 1946.1). However, for units covered by AB 1482, after 12 months of occupancy the landlord must also have a statutory just cause (no-fault grounds are limited and may require relocation assistance/rent waiver). The generic § 1946 30-day rule is superseded by § 1946.1's 30/60-day scheme for residential tenancies.
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 terminate tenancy (no cause) generator is a self-help tool for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Confirm California and local requirements before serving.
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