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California's 3-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit, Explained
Also called: 3-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit, 3-Day Pay or Quit Notice
Last reviewed 2026-07-11
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What this notice usually means
A 3-day notice to pay rent or quit is a landlord's written demand for unpaid rent, sent before an eviction lawsuit in California. It is not a court paper by itself. The notice must state the exact amount owed, and how and where to pay it, including a bank account number if the landlord already takes rent by direct deposit within 5 miles of the property. Once you are properly served, you have 3 days to pay the full amount or move out. These are court days. Weekends and court holidays do not count toward the 3 days. A landlord can serve this notice any time within one year after the rent became due. If the 3 days pass with no payment and no move-out, the landlord can then file an unlawful detainer lawsuit in court, which starts a separate and different deadline to file a written answer.
What to do now
- 1
Read the notice for the exact amount and deadline
Check the amount your landlord says you owe and the date your 3 days end. The notice should also list how to pay, including a phone number or account for payment.
- 2
Count court days, not weekends
The 3-day count skips Saturdays, Sundays, and court holidays. If your notice arrives close to a weekend, your real deadline may fall a few days later than you expect.
- 3
Know what happens if you do not pay or move
If the 3 days pass with no payment and you have not moved out, the landlord can file an unlawful detainer lawsuit in court. That starts a new and separate deadline to file a written answer.
- 4
Check whether the notice meets legal requirements
California law requires the notice to state the amount due and how to pay it. A notice missing this information may not be valid.
- 5
Get free legal help
Legal aid offices, tenant rights groups, and your local courthouse self-help center can review your notice for free. Call 211 or search for legal aid in your county.
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You have 3 court days after proper service to pay the full amount or move out. Court days skip Saturdays, Sundays, and judicial holidays. Your landlord can serve this notice any time within one year after the rent became due. Always check the date on your own notice.
“three days' notice, excluding Saturdays and Sundays and other judicial holidays, in writing, requiring its payment”
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Sources
- California Legislative Information, Code of Civil Procedure section 1161 (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov)Retrieved 2026-07-11
Last reviewed 2026-07-11
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