3 Day Eviction Notice Template

4.9 (104 reviews)
All states | 3 types
Updated Nov 1, 2024
~ 1 page
PDF
3.2K downloads
A 3-Day Eviction Notice is a landlord’s formal warning to a tenant to pay overdue rent or vacate within three days. It is used to comply with state eviction rules and give tenants one final opportunity to correct the issue.
Three (3) Day Eviction Notice to Pay or Quit Page 1
Preview
Written by Megan Thompson - Reviewed by Kate Adkham

Find a state

Template Description

Copy section link
3 Day Eviction Notice Template

A three days eviction notice is a document that tells a tenant they've violated their lease agreement, whether it's because they haven't paid rent or due to issues like unauthorized guests, pets, or noise problems. Using a 3 day notice template can help landlords quickly create a clear and properly formatted notice to deal with these issues effectively.

State Law

Copy section link

Eviction laws, including those pertaining to the 3 days notice to pay or quit form, vary significantly from one state to another in the United States. For example, California’s laws will differ from those in Texas or New York.

In California, the process of delivering the three day notice forms must adhere to strict guidelines to be considered valid. The notice must be served in one of the following ways:

Personal Delivery
Handing the document directly to the tenant is the most straightforward method and is typically the preferred approach.

Substituted Service
If the tenant is unavailable, the 3 day notice form can be left with a competent person at the tenant’s residence or workplace, and a copy must also be mailed to the tenant.

Posting and Mailing
When personal and substituted services aren't possible, the 3 day eviction notice may be posted in a conspicuous place where the tenant is likely to see it, often on or near the main entrance of the property. A copy must also be mailed to the tenant.

The grounds for issuing a three-day notice to pay or quit in California are primarily based on unpaid rent. When receiving a 3 day notice to pay or quit PDF, tenants in California have specific rights.

They can either pay the total rent due within the three-day period to nullify the notice or choose to vacate the property voluntarily. If a tenant believes the 3 day eviction notice form is unjust — for example, if the rent has been fully or partially paid — they have the right to contest the eviction through legal channels. 

For those facing eviction, resources like a free 3 day eviction notice can provide guidance and ensure proper procedures are followed. Additionally, tenants can seek assistance from legal aid services and tenant advocacy groups.

Parties

Copy section link

The main parties in a 3 day eviction notice template are the landlord (the person issuing the notice) and the tenant (the individual receiving the notice). In certain cases, a property management company might issue the notice on behalf of the landlord.

Key Terms

Copy section link
  • Pay or Quit
    This term means the tenant has the option to either pay the outstanding rent within a specified period (typically three days) or vacate the property.
  • Notice
    In this context, a notice is a formal document sent by the landlord to the tenant, informing them of their need to pay unpaid rent or vacate the premises.
  • Eviction
    This refers to the legal process through which a landlord can remove a tenant from their property for violations of the lease agreement, such as nonpayment of rent.
  • Cure Period
    The time (typically three days) allowed for the tenant to pay overdue rent and avoid eviction.
  • Unlawful Detainer
    A legal action is filed by the landlord to evict a tenant and reclaim the property if the rent remains unpaid or the tenant doesn't vacate.

How To Issue a Three-Day Eviction Notice

Copy section link

For landlords, issuing a 3 day notice to vacate form involves several critical steps to ensure the process is orderly and legal:

  • Calculate the Rent Due
    You need to figure out exactly how much the tenant owes, including any late fees the lease allows.
  • Draft the Notice
    Compose a clear and concise notice outlining the amount due and the deadline for payment or vacating the property. To simplify this process, consider using a free printable 3 day notice form to ensure clarity and avoid any confusion with straightforward language.
  • Deliver the Notice
    Ensure the free 3 day notice to vacate is delivered in accordance with state-specific laws. This could involve multiple methods of delivery to guarantee that the tenant receives it.
  • Document Everything
    Keep comprehensive records of all communications and steps taken during the eviction process. This documentation is invaluable should legal proceedings become necessary.

Writing a 3 day notice to pay or quit requires following some important steps. Start by including the full names of all tenants listed on the lease. Then, clearly detail the rental property information, specify the amount of rent that is overdue, and state the deadline for payment or moving out. Being concise and specific avoids ambiguity and future disputes. The notice should be dated and signed by the landlord or their representative.

In delivering the notice, certified mail or personal delivery is recommended, proving that the tenant indeed received the notification. It's best to download and print a 3-day notice to pay or quit PDF to ensure the document is clear and formatted correctly for official delivery.

Three (3) Day Eviction Notice to Pay or Quit Preview
Download PDF Sample