California Eviction Notice for Unpaid Rent

What California law says

• CCP 1161(2): three days notice, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and other judicial holidays, in writing.
• The notice must state the amount due and the name, phone and address of the person to pay, plus payment days and hours or account details.
• The court self-help page says it cannot include late fees, utilities or damages.
• CCP 1162: personal delivery, substitute service plus mailing, or posting plus mailing.

Steps for a landlord

• Calculate only unpaid rent.
• Write the notice with the required payment details.
• Serve by a CCP 1162 method.
• Count three days skipping weekends and judicial holidays.

What to put in the notice

• The names of the tenants and the address of the rental
• The amount of rent owed and the rental period it covers
• The number of days the tenant has to pay or move out, and the date that period ends
• The date, how the notice was delivered, and who delivered it
• Your name and contact details, with your signature

Things to watch

• Local ordinances may add rules.
• Check an attorney for just cause and other requirements.
• Cities and counties can add their own rules, including rent control and extra notice requirements. Check your local rules too.

About this page

We checked this page against the official sources listed below in November 2026. Where an official page did not say something, we say so. Laws change and courts read them differently, so confirm the current rule with the statute, the court or a local attorney before you act. This is general information, not legal advice.