Free California Eviction Notice Template

A California eviction notice is a legal document landlords must serve before starting a court eviction. It tells the tenant how long they have to pay overdue rent, fix a lease violation, or move out before the landlord can file an Unlawful Detainer case under California Code of Civil Procedure §§ 1159–1179a.

With Document Genius, you can quickly generate a notice that meets current California laws and filing requirements.

California law sets specific timelines for different situations. Use Document Genius to select the right notice from the dropdown before filling out your form.

• 3-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit (CA Civ Pro Code § 1161): For unpaid rent. Tenants have three court days (excluding weekends and holidays) to pay or move out.
• 3-Day Notice to Cure or Quit (CA Civ Pro Code § 1161(3)): For curable lease violations like unauthorized occupants or property damage. Gives tenants three court days to fix the issue or leave.
• 3-Day Notice to Quit (CA Civ Pro Code § 1161): Used for severe, non-curable issues such as illegal activity or threats to safety. No option to fix the violation.
• 14-Day Notice to Quit (CA Civ Code § 1946.7): Allows tenants facing domestic violence, abuse, or stalking to end a lease early without penalty when proper documentation is provided.
• 30-Day Lease Termination Notice (CA Civ Code § 1946.1(c)): Ends a month-to-month tenancy if the tenant has lived there less than a year.
• 60-Day Lease Termination Notice (CA Civ Code § 1946.1): Ends a month-to-month tenancy if the tenant has rented for a year or longer.

To prepare a valid notice:

1. Choose the correct notice type in the Document Genius form.
2. Add landlord and tenant information, including full names and property address.
3. State the reason if the law requires it.
4. Set the deadline for payment, compliance, or move-out.
5. Sign and date the form before delivering it.

If the tenant doesn’t comply, you can file an Unlawful Detainer lawsuit in Superior Court.

California law allows eviction notices to be served by:

• Personal delivery to the tenant
• Posting the notice at the property and mailing a copy
• Certified mail with return receipt

Keep proof of service since the court will require it if you file for eviction.

If the tenant doesn’t pay rent, fix the lease violation, or move out within the notice period, you can file an Unlawful Detainer Complaint (UD-100) in Superior Court. If the court rules in your favor, it may issue a Writ of Possession (EJ-130) so the sheriff can remove the tenant.

If you move forward with eviction, you may need:

• Complaint (Form UD-100): Filed to begin the eviction lawsuit.
• Summons (Form SUM-130): Notifies the tenant of the case.
• Answer (Form UD-105): Tenant’s official response to the eviction complaint.
• Request for Entry of Default (Form CIV-100): Used if the tenant doesn’t respond.
• Writ of Possession (Form EJ-130): Court order allowing law enforcement to remove the tenant.