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Before You Fill Out the Notice — Critical Requirements

⚠️ Important: A defective 3-day notice is one of the most common — and most fatal — errors in California commercial eviction. Have your completed notice reviewed by an experienced commercial eviction attorney before serving it, especially if the amount is large or the tenant is likely to contest.

Step 1 — Calculate the Exact Amount Owed

Review your lease carefully. Only include charges that are defined as "rent" or "additional rent" in the lease agreement. Common inclusions: base monthly rent, CAM charges if defined as additional rent, property tax pass-throughs if defined as additional rent. Do not include: late fees (unless defined as rent), repair charges, or other obligations unless explicitly defined as rent.

Step 2 — Identify Each Unpaid Rental Period

List each specific month and the amount due for that month. If a partial payment was received, subtract it from the amount owed for that period. Every dollar must be accurate.

Step 3 — Calculate the 3-Day Deadline

The 3-day period starts the day after service. Count 3 days, excluding Saturday, Sunday, and court holidays. If you serve on a Wednesday, the period runs Thursday → Friday → Monday (skipping the weekend) — deadline is end of Monday. If the 3rd day is a holiday, extend to the next court day.

Step 4 — Confirm Your Service Method

Choose your service method before completing the notice. If you will serve by Post & Mail, the deadline on the notice should reflect 8 days (3 + 5), not 3 days. Check the box that applies and document your service method in the Proof of Service.

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Printable Template — Instructions

The template below is formatted for printing. Fill in all blanks with your specific information before printing. Use Ctrl+P or the Print button to print.

Use your browser's "Save as PDF" option in the print dialog to save a digital copy.

Three-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit
(California Commercial Tenancy — CCP §1161(2))

TO: (Tenant / Occupant)

and all subtenants, sub-subtenants, assignees, and all other persons in possession of the premises described below:

PREMISES: , , California (the "Premises"), including Suite/Unit No. , located in the building or complex commonly known as .

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the rent for the above-described Premises is now past due and unpaid. The total amount due and owing from you is $ ( Dollars), computed as follows:

Rental Period	Amount Due
	$
	$
	$
TOTAL AMOUNT DUE:	$

WITHIN THREE (3) DAYS after service on you of this Notice (not counting the day of service, Saturdays, Sundays, or court holidays), you are required to do one of the following:

(1) Pay the entire amount of rent set forth above in full; OR

(2) Deliver up possession of the Premises to the undersigned.

Rent may be paid to: at the address of , or by depositing rent into the following account: Bank , Account No. (if applicable).

IF YOU FAIL to pay the rent in full OR vacate the Premises within the time specified above, legal proceedings will be commenced against you to recover possession of the Premises, the rent due, damages, costs, and attorney's fees as provided by law and your lease agreement.

This Notice is given pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure §1161(2).

Dated: , 2026

Signature:

Printed Name:

Title:

Address:

Phone:

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3-Day Notice — Common Questions

No, California law does not require an attorney to draft or serve a 3-day notice. However, given that a defective notice can dismiss your entire case, having a commercial eviction attorney review your notice before serving is strongly recommended — especially if the amount is significant, the tenant is a large corporation with legal counsel, or the lease has unusual provisions. The cost of a notice review is far less than the cost of a dismissed UD action and restarting the clock. Find counsel at our attorney directory.

No. The tenant must pay the full amount stated in the notice to cure. A partial payment does not satisfy the notice. However, if the landlord accepts a partial payment, that typically waives the notice and requires a new notice to be served for the remaining balance. Never accept any payment after serving a 3-day notice without consulting your attorney first.

If the check arrives after the 3-day period has expired, the tenant has technically not timely cured. However, accepting and depositing the late check may constitute waiver. If the check arrives late and you do not want to waive the notice, do not accept, deposit, or cash the check — consult your attorney immediately. Return the check by certified mail with a letter stating you are rejecting it and proceeding with the eviction.

California Commercial 3-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit — Guide & Template

Before You Fill Out the Notice — Critical Requirements

Step 1 — Calculate the Exact Amount Owed

Step 2 — Identify Each Unpaid Rental Period

Step 3 — Calculate the 3-Day Deadline

Step 4 — Confirm Your Service Method

Printable Template — Instructions

Three-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit
(California Commercial Tenancy — CCP §1161(2))

3-Day Notice — Common Questions

Have an Attorney Review Your Notice

California Commercial 3-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit — Guide & Template

Before You Fill Out the Notice — Critical Requirements

Step 1 — Calculate the Exact Amount Owed

Step 2 — Identify Each Unpaid Rental Period

Step 3 — Calculate the 3-Day Deadline

Step 4 — Confirm Your Service Method

Printable Template — Instructions

Three-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit(California Commercial Tenancy — CCP §1161(2))

3-Day Notice — Common Questions

Have an Attorney Review Your Notice

Three-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit
(California Commercial Tenancy — CCP §1161(2))