Late rentCalifornia 3-day notice to pay rent or quit
Rent is late and you are thinking about a 3-day notice. Here is the general rule, the statute it comes from, and the facts to gather first.
The general rule, and where to check- Notice to pay rent or quit. A notice for unpaid rent gives the tenant three days to pay or move out, not counting Saturdays, Sundays or judicial holidays. The notice states the amount due. Courts have read the amount due as rent only; late fees and other charges in the demand are a common reason notices fail. City ordinances can add content. Cal. Code Civ. Proc. 1161(2) Summary checked 2026-10-17.
General information, not legal advice. Check the source before you act. City ordinances can add rules. Check your city or county housing office.
Have these ready- The lease, with the rent amount and the due date
- A ledger of every rent charge and payment, so the amount you demand is rent only
- Each tenant's full name, as on the lease
- The unit address, and who receives payment and where
- How you will serve the notice, and who will sign the proof of service
- Your city's rules, if your city has a rent or eviction ordinance