Free landlord notice template
Notice to pay rent or quit (fill in your state's days)
A pay-or-quit notice is the legal first step before a nonpayment eviction in most states. This template has the common elements; several states prescribe wording, so compare it with your statute (linked in our state guides) before serving.
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Re: Notice to pay rent or deliver possession: [Rental address with unit]
To: [Tenant name(s)] Premises: [Rental address with unit] You are hereby notified that rent is due and unpaid for the premises above in the amount of [Rent due (rent only)], for the period [Period(s) the rent covers]. Demand is made that you pay the rent in full or deliver possession of the premises within [Notice period under your state law] after delivery of this notice. Payment must be made to: [Pay to (name, address, hours or method)]. If you do not pay the rent or vacate within that time, legal proceedings may be started to recover possession of the premises and the rent owed. Date of this notice is the date shown above. [Your name] Landlord or authorized agent
When to use this letter
- Rent is unpaid and you may file a nonpayment case
- You have checked your state's notice period and allowed delivery methods
Where to send it
Address it to every adult tenant on the lease at the rental unit.
Tips before you mail it
- Use your state's exact notice period and wording; California and Florida exclude weekends and holidays from the 3 days.
- Demand rent only where the statute says so (California: no late fees in a 3-day notice).
- Use a delivery method your statute allows, and add mailing days where your state adds them.
- Covered federal properties also need a 30-day notice to vacate under the CARES Act.
The full template text
Re: Notice to pay rent or deliver possession: {{propertyAddress}}
To: {{tenantNames}}
Premises: {{propertyAddress}}
You are hereby notified that rent is due and unpaid for the premises above in the amount of {{rentDue}}, for the period {{rentPeriod}}.
Demand is made that you pay the rent in full or deliver possession of the premises within {{noticeDays}} after delivery of this notice.
Payment must be made to: {{payee}}.
{{stateLine}}
If you do not pay the rent or vacate within that time, legal proceedings may be started to recover possession of the premises and the rent owed.
Date of this notice is the date shown above.
{{signature}}
Landlord or authorized agentText in {{double braces}} is filled in from the form above. This is a general template, not legal advice.