Violations, entry & non-renewal
How do I write a lease violation notice to a tenant?
Updated · By the Landlord Notice Mail team
Name the lease clause broken, describe what happened with dates, state what the tenant must do and the deadline your state gives to fix it, and say what happens if they don't. Cure periods are set by statute: 3 days in California (excluding weekends and court holidays), 7 days in Florida, 10 days in Arizona and Washington, and 21 days in Virginia.
| State | Time to cure | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| California | 3 days, excluding weekends and court holidays (3-day notice to perform covenants or quit) | Court self-help |
| Florida | 7 days to correct; 7 days to vacate for violations that can't be cured | F.S. 83.56(2) |
| Arizona | 10 days; 5 days for health and safety breaches; immediate for material and irreparable breaches | A.R.S. 33-1368(A) |
| Washington | 10 days after service | RCW 59.12.030(4) |
| Virginia | 21 days to remedy; tenancy ends no sooner than 30 days after receipt | Va. Code 55.1-1245(A) |
What to include
- Tenant names, unit address and the date.
- The lease section (quote it) and the specific facts: what, where, when, and how you know.
- What the tenant must do to cure, and the deadline under your state's statute.
- What happens if it isn't cured (for example, the lease ends on a stated date).
- Any statutory wording your state requires. Florida's 83.56(2) has a form for its 7-day notices.
Keep it factual
A violation notice is evidence. Stick to facts you can prove, attach photos as extra pages if useful, and avoid threats or opinions. Treat the same violation the same way for every tenant, which is easier when you send from a template.
Sending several at once
Building-wide issues (parking, pets, trash) often mean the same notice to many units. The Landlord plan lets you upload a CSV of tenants and mail each one certified. See sending tenant notices in bulk.
Quick answers
How to send lease violation letters in bulk?
Upload a CSV of tenant names and addresses on the Landlord plan, merge them into one template, and each letter is printed and mailed by Certified Mail with its own tracking number.
How many days does a tenant get to fix a lease violation?
Set by state: 3 days in California, 7 in Florida, 10 in Arizona and Washington, 21 in Virginia. Check your state's statute.
Can I mail a lease violation notice?
Florida's statute lists mailing and Arizona counts certified mail as received within 5 days. California and Washington need hand delivery or substituted or posting service, with mail as a second step.
What to do next
Fill in the lease violation notice and send it by Certified Mail with return receipt for $17.99. For many units, the $29/month Landlord plan adds CSV bulk upload.
Send a lease violation noticeSources
- California Courts: Types of eviction notices
- Florida Statutes 83.56
- Arizona Revised Statutes 33-1368
- Revised Code of Washington 59.12.030
- Code of Virginia 55.1-1245
Checked: . General information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change: confirm current values at the official links above.