What is this Notice to Quit used for?
A 3-Day Notice to Perform or Quit (blank draft provided at the end) is used in California by a landlord to initiate the formal process of removing a tenant from a leased rental unit. This notice informs a tenant they have violated a requirement of the lease, and have three days to pay past due rent; otherwise, the landlord will file a case in court (usually an unlawful detainer action in Superior Court).
These violations usually need to be major for a court to consider them just cause for an eviction. Common examples of these include:
- Moving in a pet when the lease specifies no pets
- Moving in additional people (family or friends) when the lease specifically states the tenant cannot do this
- Causing significant damage to the property
- Endangering others at the property, neighbors, or the community
- Dealing drugs or being involved in gang activity at the property
Immigration status, sex, race, religion, and other demographic reasons are generally not just causes to evict someone as they are protected under discrimination laws.
When Should a Landlord Use a 3-Day Notice to Perform or Quit?
Since the state has outlined five eviction notices to use in various situations, it's important to select the right one for your case. As outlined on that page, the 3-Day Notice to Perform or Quit is reserved for instances where the tenant is not performing their responsibilities under the lease or rental agreement, and the landlord is demanding they begin performing these duties or otherwise give up the right to live there.