Eviction Notice Types

Understanding which notice to use — and what it must include — is the most critical part of the eviction process. An invalid notice means starting over from scratch.

Pay Rent or Quit

Nonpayment of Rent

Used when the tenant has failed to pay rent. The tenant must either pay the full amount owed or vacate the premises by the end of the notice period.

Must Include

  • ✓Tenant name(s) and address of the rental unit
  • ✓Exact amount of rent owed (not estimates)
  • ✓The rental period(s) for which rent is owed
  • ✓Deadline to pay or vacate (consistent with state law)
  • ✓Where/how to pay (address or method)
  • ✓Statement that failure to comply will result in eviction proceedings
  • ✓Landlord name and contact information
  • ✓Date the notice was served

Important

Do NOT accept any partial payment after serving this notice without a new written agreement. Partial payment acceptance can waive your right to proceed in many states.

Typical notice period: 3–14 days depending on state

Cure or Quit

Lease Violation

Used for fixable (curable) lease violations: unauthorized pets, unapproved occupants, nuisance complaints, smoking violations, etc. The tenant must fix the violation or vacate.

Must Include

  • ✓Tenant name(s) and rental property address
  • ✓Specific description of the lease violation (be precise — quote the lease clause)
  • ✓What the tenant must do to cure the violation
  • ✓Deadline to cure or vacate
  • ✓Statement that failure to cure will result in eviction proceedings
  • ✓Reference to the specific lease provision violated
  • ✓Landlord name, signature, and contact information
  • ✓Date of service

Important

Be specific about the violation. Vague notices like "you are in violation of your lease" are routinely thrown out. Quote the exact lease clause and describe exactly what must change.

Typical notice period: 10–30 days depending on state

Unconditional Quit

No Second Chance

Used for serious or repeated violations where the tenant has no opportunity to pay or fix the problem. Common uses: repeat violations after prior notice, illegal activity, substantial property damage, or manufacturing/distribution of controlled substances.

Must Include

  • ✓Tenant name(s) and rental property address
  • ✓Specific grounds for the unconditional quit (must meet your state's legal standard)
  • ✓Clear statement that the tenant must vacate unconditionally — no option to cure
  • ✓Deadline to vacate
  • ✓Statement that legal proceedings will follow non-compliance
  • ✓Landlord name, signature, and date

Important

Not all states allow unconditional quit notices for all violations. Using one improperly (e.g., for a first-time curable violation) can be dismissed as retaliatory or improper. Check your state's specific rules.

Typical notice period: 3–14 days depending on state; some states do not allow for certain violations

30/60-Day Notice to Vacate

No-Fault Termination

Used to end a month-to-month tenancy or notify the tenant you will not renew a fixed-term lease when no lease violation exists. Also called a "no-fault" termination. Several states require just cause even for these.

Must Include

  • ✓Tenant name(s) and rental property address
  • ✓Statement that the tenancy will terminate on a specific date
  • ✓The termination date (must be at least 30 or 60 days from service, depending on state and tenancy length)
  • ✓Reason for termination (required in some states — California, Oregon, New Jersey, etc.)
  • ✓Landlord name, signature, and date of service

Important

Some states (CA, OR, NJ, NY, WA) require "just cause" for no-fault terminations or impose long notice periods (60–90 days). Many cities have additional tenant protections. Verify your local law before serving.

Typical notice period: 30 days (short tenancy) or 60 days (1+ year tenancy); some states require 90 days

Notice Checklist Download

Get our state-specific eviction notice checklist — a printable PDF covering what each notice must include in your state, common errors to avoid, and how to document service.

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Before You Serve: Quick Checklist

  • Notice type matches the violation (Pay or Quit vs. Cure or Quit vs. Unconditional)
  • Correct number of days per your state law
  • Exact dollar amount owed (for rent notices)
  • Specific lease violation described (for cure/quit notices)
  • Tenant's full legal name(s) as they appear on the lease
  • Full address of the rental unit
  • Your name, address, and contact information
  • Date the notice was served (not drafted)
  • Proper delivery method per your state (personal, post & mail, certified mail)
  • Proof of service documented (witness signature, mail receipt, or affidavit)

Notice requirements vary significantly by state. Check your state guide for exact language and timing requirements.

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