California landlord forms / Late Rent Notice (Pay or Quit)

California Late Rent Notice (Pay or Quit)

$19

A formal pay-or-quit notice with your state's statutory cure period calculated automatically — the first legal step before pursuing eviction for unpaid rent, generated in minutes instead of guessing at the deadline.

Core state figures — deposit caps, notice periods, entry rules — independently verified by a licensed U.S. attorney.

Start my late rent notice (pay or quit) — $19

What California law requires

Security deposit cap: 1 month' rent
Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5 (as amended by AB 12) · source
Deposit return deadline: 21 days after move-out
Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(g)(1) · source
Month-to-month termination notice: 60 days
Cal. Civ. Code § 1946.1 · source
Pay-or-quit notice (late rent): 3 days
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 1161(2) · source
Landlord entry notice: 1 day
Cal. Civ. Code § 1954(d)(1) · source
Late fee guidance: 6% of monthly rent
Cal. Civ. Code § 1671 · source

Frequently asked questions

How long does the tenant have to pay?

It depends on your state's statute — some count calendar days, others exclude weekends and holidays. The notice states your state's specific rule and counting method.

Does sending this notice start an eviction?

No — it's the required first step. If the tenant doesn't pay or vacate within the notice period, you'd then need to file for eviction through your local court, separately.

Need more than one document?

The Complete Landlord Pack includes this document plus 5 more for California, with unlimited edits for 12 months.

See the California pack