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California
Rent Control State

3-Day Notice to Pay or Quit for California Landlords

Demand payment or vacate within 3 days for nonpayment Compliant with CA landlord-tenant law.

California Requirement: 3-Day Notice

California requires a 3-day notice before filing for eviction due to nonpayment.

California Requirements for 3-Day Notice to Pay or Quit

Notice Periods

  • Nonpayment: 3 days
  • Month-to-Month: 30 days
  • Long-term Tenants: 60 days
  • Rent Increase: 30 days

Security Deposit

  • Maximum: 2 months unfurnished, 3 months furnished
  • Return Deadline: 21 days

Rent Control

Rent control applies in some areas

Cities with rent control: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Berkeley, Santa Monica, West Hollywood

Key CA Facts

  • 3-day notice for nonpayment
  • 60-day notice for tenants over 1 year
  • Statewide rent cap (AB 1482): 5% + CPI or 10% max
  • Just cause eviction required for covered properties

Problems This 3-Day Notice to Pay or Quit Solves

Tenant hasn't paid rent for days/weeks

Need to start eviction process

Tenant ignoring payment requests

Legal documentation required before court

Common Questions About 3-Day Notice to Pay or Quit in California

When do the 3 days start?

What if tenant pays on day 3?

Can I include late fees in the notice?

What happens after 3 days?

Related California Landlord Forms

30-Day Notice to Vacate

30-day termination notice for month-to-month tenancies

60-Day Notice to Vacate

60-day notice required for long-term tenants in some states

Eviction Notice

Formal eviction notice for various tenant violations

3-Day Notice to Pay or Quit in Other States

Arizona
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Massachusetts
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