California: eviction notice rules
How much notice a landlord must give for unpaid rent before filing an eviction case, and whether you can pay to stop it.
Single detailed source| Notice for unpaid rent | 3 days, not counting weekends and court holidays |
|---|---|
| Law | Cal. Code Civ. Proc. 1161 |
This is only the notice before the landlord can file in court; a judge must still order an eviction. Properties with federally backed mortgages or subsidies often require a 30-day notice.
General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply. Confirm with the state agency, the court or a licensed professional in California.
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How we checked this
Notice periods come from a statute-cited 2026 eviction survey, compared with a second 50-state statute table. States where the two disagree are marked for review. Last checked: November 12, 2026. Laws change; confirm with the state agency or a licensed professional before acting.
Cross-checked sources agree Checked on official source confirmed on a government, court or legislature site Single detailed source one detailed table built from statutes or official data Under review sources disagree; read the note and the law.