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How much notice does a landlord have to give for unpaid rent in California?
Short answer
3-day notice to pay rent or quit (excluding weekends and court holidays)
Notice: After rent is late: 3 days' written notice (Saturdays, Sundays and judicial holidays excluded) before filing an unlawful detainer
Before filing an eviction for unpaid rent or a curable lease breach, serve a written 3-day notice; the three days exclude Saturdays, Sundays and judicial holidays. A rent notice must state the amount due and who to pay.
"three days’ notice, excluding Saturdays and Sundays and other judicial holidays, in writing, requiring its payment, stating the amount that is due," leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
3-day notice to pay rent or quit (excluding weekends and court holidays) Verified
Deadline: After rent is late: 3 days' written notice (Saturdays, Sundays and judicial holidays excluded) before filing an unlawful detainer
Before filing an eviction for unpaid rent or a curable lease breach, serve a written 3-day notice; the three days exclude Saturdays, Sundays and judicial holidays. A rent notice must state the amount due and who to pay.
"three days’ notice, excluding Saturdays and Sundays and other judicial holidays, in writing, requiring its payment, stating the amount that is due," leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Notes: CCP §1161(2)-(3). Local law (e.g., Los Angeles) may add filing and threshold requirements.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction