California Notice to Vacate

About the California Notice to Vacate

Many property managers use property management software to stay on top of rent collections and notice periods. A landlord or property manager in California can use the California Landlord Notice to Vacate Form when they want a tenant to vacate the rental property at the end of their lease (or leave in 30 days or more if there is no lease). Tenants can use the California Tenant Notice to Vacate Form to inform landlords and property managers of their intention to vacate the rental property at least 30 days before they intend to move out, or longer if required by the terms of their California Lease Agreement. There are several other situations in which the California Notice to Vacate might be used, like if the rental property has been sold or if the building has been condemned.

The Notice to Vacate form is useful in the following cases:

• The lease term is ending.
• The tenant has a month-to-month lease in California.
• The tenant hasn’t vacated the rental property after the lease has expired.
• The tenant doesn’t have a lease.
• The rental property is being sold or repurposed.
• To ensure legal accuracy, refer to the California Courts Eviction Guide and the Department of   Consumer Affairs.
• Used at the end of a lease agreement
• For month-to-month rental terminations
• When the tenant remains after lease expiration
• As part of a broader lease termination process

California Notice to Vacate - What should it Include?

The California Notice to Vacate Form is an easy way to end your California rental lease. Landlords or tenants in California can use this form to communicate the date by which the rental property should be empty. For month-to-month leases (see the California rental agreement for tenancies at will) most states will require at least a 30 Day Notice to Vacate. The California Notice to Vacate can be given as a 30 day, 60 day, or 90 day Notice to Vacate depending on the circumstances. The notice period required is typically defined in the rental lease terms.

1. Address of the Rental Property: Full legal address and unit description.
2. Name of tenant and other persons who need to vacate the property: Full legal  names of all involved parties.
3. Date of the Notice
4. Landlord or Property Manager's Name: Include the full name or legal business name of the person or entity issuing the notice.
5. Notice Period: Clearly state the notice length
6. Move-Out Date (Vacate Date): The exact date the tenant must vacate the premises and return possession to the landlord.
7. Reason for Lease Termination.
8. Signature of Party Giving Notice: Landlord’s or tenant’s signature, depending on who is initiating the notice.
9. Legal Disclaimer: A statement acknowledging that the form complies with California Civil Code and may not be valid outside California.

California Notice to Vacate – What should I do with it?

If you are a tenant who has received the California Landlord Notice to Vacate, you may need to remove all of your possessions and vacate the rental property by the date stated on the Notice to Vacate Form. If you are a landlord or property manager who has received the California Tenant Notice to Vacate, you should start finding a new tenant for your rental property. If a Notice to Vacate is given before a tenant’s California Lease Agreement has ended, additional actions may need to be taken by either party depending on the terms of the California rental agreement.

California Notice to Vacate – What else should I know?

If you’re planning to end a tenancy in California, using the correct notice type and timing (30, 60, or 90 days) is critical to stay compliant with state and local laws. The following key points explain when to use a Notice to Vacate, how it differs from other forms, and what steps help avoid costly mistakes.

• Purpose: A California Notice to Vacate tells a tenant to move out after the lease ends (often month-to-month) or when there’s no written lease. It’s similar to a Notice to Quit but typically used for no-fault or non-violent situations.
• Not an Eviction: This notice does not evict the tenant or cancel an active lease. If the tenant stays past the notice date, the landlord must file for eviction in court.
• When to Use Other Forms:
  • Use a Notice to Quit for nonpayment of rent, property damage, or health/safety issues.
  • Use a Lease Termination Form to end a fixed-term lease early or for other lease violations.
• Timing & Compliance:
  • Select the right 30, 60, or 90-day notice period based on tenancy length and local laws.
  • Check AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act) and local just-cause ordinances before serving the notice.
  • Always include the exact move-out date.
• Serving the Notice & Avoiding Mistakes:
  • Deliver using a legally accepted service method and keep proof of delivery.
  • Include landlord and tenant names, property address, notice period, move-out date, and contact details.
  • Add instructions for key return, walkthrough inspection, and security deposit refund timeline.
  • Keep clear documentation of all communications for legal protection.

Key Terms & Provisions

A California Notice to Vacate is a legal document used by either a landlord or a tenant to formally notify the other party that they intend to end the rental agreement. It must comply with California Civil Code and be delivered in a legally acceptable way:

• Date of Notice – The specific calendar date when the notice is issued.
• Names of All Parties Involved – Full legal names of the tenant(s) and landlord/property manager.
• Rental Property Address –Full legal address and unit description.
• Notice Period: Clearly state the notice length 
• Move-Out Date
• Reason for Termination
• Signature of Party Giving Notice: Landlord’s or tenant’s signature depending on who is initiating the notice.
• Legal Disclaimer: A statement acknowledging that the form complies with California Civil Code and may not be valid outside California.

Why California Landlords & Property Managers Choose SimplifyEm Notice to Vacate Template?

We know how important it is to handle lease terminations legally and efficiently in California. That’s why our California Notice to Vacate Template is built to simplify the process and reduce legal risk. Here’s why property managers and landlords rely on SimplifyEm’s trusted template:

• Legally Compliant– Our Notice to Vacate form is up to date with California Civil Code requirements and local laws, ensuring your notices are valid and enforceable.
• Covers 30, 60, and 90-Day Requirements – Whether you're dealing with month-to-month tenants or other requirements, our form has you covered.
• Clear & Easy to Fill Out – Designed with landlords and tenants in mind, our simple format makes it easy to enter key details and issue notices correctly.
• Helps Avoid Disputes – Clear language and proper documentation reduce the risk of misunderstandings and legal challenges at move-out.
• Trusted by Thousands of Property Owners – Backed by SimplifyEm, a top-rated provider of property management tools used nationwide.

Why choose us