Notice to Pay Rent or Quit

The essential first step in the eviction process for tenants who have failed to pay rent on time.

What Is a Notice to Pay Rent or Quit?

A Notice to Pay Rent or Quit is a formal, legally required warning letter sent by a landlord to a tenant who is late on their rent. It gives the tenant a specific number of days (the 'cure period') to either pay the total amount owed or move out ('quit' the premises). If the tenant does neither, the landlord can legally file an eviction lawsuit (unlawful detainer).

Warning on Notice Periods

You cannot arbitrarily decide how many days to give a tenant. The required notice period is dictated strictly by state law. For example, California and Texas require a 3-Day Notice, while Colorado requires a 10-Day Notice. Furthermore, some states exclude weekends and court holidays from this timeline. Always use a state-specific template.

What Must Be Included

If your notice to pay or quit is missing mandatory information or calculates the rent owed incorrectly, a judge may dismiss your eviction case, forcing you to start over.

The names of all adult tenants listed on the lease

The full address of the rental property

The exact amount of past-due rent (Do not include late fees unless your state explicitly allows it in the notice)

The specific months/periods for which the rent is owed

The date the notice is served to the tenant

A clear statement giving the tenant the choice to pay or move out within the statutory timeframe

The landlord's or property manager's signature

A Proof of Service attached, detailing exactly how the notice was delivered (e.g., personal delivery, posted on the door and mailed).

Generate an Eviction Notice

Ensure you adhere strictly to your state's landlord-tenant laws with a customized Notice to Pay or Quit.

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