An eviction notice is the first formal step in removing a tenant. Using the wrong form, the wrong time period or the wrong method of delivery can force a landlord to start over.
Common notice types
- Pay rent or quit: demands overdue rent within a short period.
- Cure or quit: gives the tenant time to fix a lease violation.
- Unconditional quit: demands the tenant leave, used for serious or repeated violations in some states.
- Notice of termination: ends a month-to-month tenancy without a violation, where allowed.
What a notice usually includes
- Names of tenants and the property address.
- The reason, with amounts or specific violations.
- The deadline to pay, fix or leave.
- Date and method of delivery.
- Landlord's name and signature.
Rules that vary
Required notice periods, wording and allowed delivery methods differ by state and sometimes by city, and some places require just cause or special notices during certain periods. Notices defective in any of these ways can lead courts to dismiss the case.
Before you serve one
- Check your state and local landlord-tenant law.
- Confirm you have a legal reason and have documented it.
- Use the correct notice type and period.
- Deliver it by an allowed method and keep proof.
- Do not change locks or remove belongings. Only a court can order an eviction.
Frequently asked questions
Is a template notice enough?
It can be, if it matches your state and the facts. Because mistakes are costly, landlords in difficult cases often consult a local attorney.
What is the next step after the notice period ends?
The landlord may file an eviction case in court. See our guide on how evictions work.