How many days notice is required for non-payment of rent?

Notice periods for non-payment of rent vary by state — ranging from 3 days (Texas, Florida, California) to 30 days (New Jersey, Washington D.C.). Most states fall between 3 and 14 days. Always verify your state's current statute, as local ordinances may require longer notice periods.

Can an eviction notice be served via email or text message?

In nearly all U.S. jurisdictions, email and text message are not valid methods for serving an eviction notice. Most states require personal delivery, certified mail, or posting the notice on the property door combined with mailing a copy. Electronic delivery is generally insufficient for legal proof of service.

What happens if a landlord uses the wrong notice period?

Using an incorrect notice period is one of the most common reasons eviction cases are dismissed in court. If you serve a shorter notice than your state requires, the judge will likely dismiss the case and require you to start over. Always confirm your state's current requirements before serving any notice.

Can a landlord accept rent after serving an eviction notice?

In most states, accepting rent after serving a pay-or-quit notice waives the eviction and requires the landlord to start the process over with a new notice. Never deposit a check or accept any payment after the notice has been served.

Eviction Notice Requirements by State 2025

Eviction Notice Checker

Select your state and eviction reason to see exact notice requirements.

State

Reason for Eviction

State Name

Eviction Type

Days Notice

Required notice period

+2–5

Days to File

After notice expires

Days Min Total

Notice to hearing

Legal disclaimer: This tool provides general information only and is not legal advice. Eviction laws vary by city and county. Consult a licensed attorney before serving any notice.

All States — Eviction Notice Requirements

Sortable table covering all 50 states + DC. Click column headers to sort.

State	Non-Payment	Lease Violation	No-Cause	Service Method

Days shown are required notice periods. "0" means no statutory waiting period — landlord may file immediately. Always verify local ordinances as city/county rules may be stricter. Not legal advice.

Eviction Timeline Builder

Enter your state, eviction reason, and the date you plan to serve the notice.

State

Reason

Notice Serve Date

Eviction Timeline

Dates are estimates based on state law. Court schedules, holidays, and weekends may extend timelines. This is not legal advice.

What Must Be in an Eviction Notice

A valid eviction notice requires specific elements. Missing any of these can get your case dismissed.

Universal Requirements

Full legal name(s) of all tenants
Full rental property address (unit number if applicable)
Date the notice is served
Reason for eviction (specific and clear)
Number of days to comply or vacate
Deadline date to pay, cure, or vacate
Landlord's full name and signature
Landlord's mailing address and/or phone

Non-Payment of Rent

Exact amount of rent owed
Month(s) for which rent is unpaid
Where and how tenant can make payment
Statement that tenancy will terminate if not paid
Any late fees (if included in the demand)

Lease Violation Notice

Specific lease clause that was violated
Description of how it was violated
Date(s) the violation occurred
What action is required to cure (if curable)
Deadline to cure or vacate

No-Cause / Termination Notice

Statement that tenancy is being terminated
Date by which tenant must vacate
Any required relocation assistance (CA, OR, WA)
Just Cause statement (if required by local law)

Valid Service Methods

How you deliver the notice matters as much as what's in it. Invalid service = case dismissed.

Personal Service (Most States)

Hand-deliver directly to the tenant
Tenant does not have to accept or sign
Document: date, time, who delivered, who received
Take a photo or have a witness when possible

Substituted Service

Leave with adult co-occupant at the premises
Post on front door (posting + mail in many states)
Must mail a copy on the same day as posting
Check your state — posting alone is often insufficient

Certified Mail

Allowed in most states as an alternative
Notice period often adds 3–5 days for mail delivery
Keep certified mail receipt as proof
Some states require return receipt requested

Service Documentation

Keep a copy of every notice you serve
Prepare a "Proof of Service" / Affidavit of Service
You'll need to attach this when you file in court
Never backdate a notice — it voids the eviction

States with Stronger Tenant Protections

These states and cities have enacted Just Cause eviction requirements or extended notice periods.

Just Cause Required

California: Statewide AB 1482 — tenant must live there 12+ months.
New Jersey: Just Cause applies to nearly all residential tenants.
New York City: Just Cause protections under HSTPA 2019.
Oregon: Statewide Just Cause law — landlord must state valid reason.
Washington (Seattle): Just Cause ordinance for Seattle tenants.

Extended Notice Cities

Los Angeles: 3 days non-payment, but RSO units have extra steps.
San Francisco: Rent Control — Just Cause required, no-fault relocation.
Chicago: RLTO adds extra requirements for covered units.
Denver: Colorado's 91-day no-cause + Denver-specific rules.
Washington D.C.: 30-day minimum for all eviction types; strong tenant rights.

Eviction Notice Requirementsby State