California Notice to Pay Rent or Quit — Free Generator & 2026 Requirements
Updated July 2026 · Reviewed against California statutes
Before a landlord in California can start an eviction for unpaid rent, state law requires a formal written demand — commonly called a notice to pay rent or quit. In California, tenants must be given 3 business days to pay or vacate. Use the free generator below to create a ready-to-serve notice in about two minutes.
| Required notice period | 3 business days |
| Statute | Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 1161(2) |
| Applies to | Nonpayment of rent |
⚠ Weekends and judicial holidays are excluded.
Fill in the details
Your notice
How to serve this notice in California
Frequently asked questions
How many days' notice is required for nonpayment of rent in California?
California requires 3 business days' written notice before an eviction can be filed for nonpayment (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 1161(2)). Weekends and judicial holidays are excluded.
Can I email or text the notice to my tenant in California?
Generally no. Most states, including California, require formal service — personal delivery, delivery to a suitable person at the premises, posting plus mailing, or certified mail. Check your statute for the accepted methods and keep proof of service.
What happens if the tenant pays after receiving the notice?
If the tenant pays the full amount demanded within the notice period, the tenancy generally continues and you cannot proceed with an eviction based on that notice. Partial payments can complicate or void the notice in some states — decide in advance whether to accept them.