State notice rules

How do I serve a California 3-day notice to pay rent or quit?

Updated November 12, 2026 · By the Landlord Notice Mail team

Give the tenant 3 days, not counting Saturdays, Sundays or court holidays, to pay the rent (rent only, no late fees or utilities), and serve the notice by hand delivery, by leaving it with an adult at the tenant's home or work and mailing a copy, or by posting it on the home and mailing a copy. Mailing alone is not valid service.

California service methods (court self-help)
Method	How	Then
Hand delivery	Give it to the tenant	Proof of service
Substituted service	Leave it with an adult (18+) at the tenant's home or work	Mail a copy to the tenant
Post and mail	Post it on the tenant's home	Mail a copy to the tenant

Counting

Start counting the day after delivery or mailing. Skip weekends and court holidays, and if the deadline lands on one, it moves to the next court day. Filing early can get the case dismissed.

Where mail fits

The mailed copy in substituted or post-and-mail service is regular mail under the court's guide; sending it by Certified Mail gives you a USPS receipt to attach to your proof of service. For 30- and 60-day notices, see month-to-month termination.

Local rules

California's Tenant Protection Act and many city ordinances add just-cause and notice content rules. Some cities require a warning letter before a perform-or-quit notice.

Quick answers

Can I mail a 3-day notice in California?

Only as part of substituted or post-and-mail service. Mail alone is not one of the methods.

Can a 3-day notice include late fees?

No. California's courts say it can't include late fees, utilities or damages.

California notice to quit service methods?

Personal service, substituted service plus mailing, or posting plus mailing, with a signed proof of service.

What to do next

Send the mailed copy for substituted or post-and-mail service by Certified Mail ($14.99) to back your proof of service, or use the $29/month Landlord plan.

Send the mailed copy

Sources

Checked: November 12, 2026. General information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change: confirm current values at the official links above.