3 days nonpayment notice.
For unpaid rent, the landlord must serve a 3-day notice to pay or quit before filing. Most tenancies of 12 months or more also require 'just cause' to end under AB 1482, plus 30 or 60 days' notice depending on tenancy length.
What this means for you: A landlord cannot lock you out or remove your belongings themselves — only a sheriff acting on a court order can. A defective notice can get the case dismissed.
Your next step: Read the notice carefully for the exact deadline and cure option. If you can pay within the 3 days, do so and keep proof. Contact a local legal-aid office immediately.
Source: Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 1161; Civ. Code § 1946.2. Reviewed 2026-06-16.
Note: AB 1482 'just cause' applies to many but not all units; single-family homes owned by individuals may be exempt if proper notice was given.
More California rights: California security deposit · California repairs · California entry notice · California rent increase.
Eviction in nearby states: Oregon (10 days nonpayment notice) · Nevada (7 days nonpayment notice) · Arizona (5 days nonpayment notice).
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and vary by locality; consult a licensed attorney or your local housing authority.
Updated July 2026