California 3-Day Notice to Pay or Quit — Step-by-Step
The 3-day notice is the first required step before filing unlawful detainer in California. Format mistakes restart the clock.
California Code of Civil Procedure §1161 requires a written 3-day notice to pay rent or quit before any unlawful detainer can be filed. Errors in amount, dates, or service force the landlord to restart — adding 30+ days to the eviction.
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