Eviction Notice Generator
Prepare a clear written notice before any eviction case. Choose pay rent or quit, cure or quit, an unconditional notice to quit or a month-to-month termination, pick the state to load its typical notice period, and the deadline date is calculated for you. Download a formatted PDF or Word letter with a proof of service section.
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A general template, not legal advice. Notice periods, required wording and delivery rules differ by state and city, and a defective notice can delay an eviction. Some jurisdictions require official forms. Only a court can order a tenant to leave.
How to use the Eviction Notice Generator
- Pick the notice type and state. The typical notice period for that state loads automatically.
- Enter the landlord, tenants and rental address, plus the lease date if you have one.
- List what is owed (one line per rent period) or describe the violation and how to fix it.
- Check the deadline. Adjust the days, counting method or mailing days, or type your own date.
- Choose how it will be delivered, download the PDF, sign it, serve it, and complete the proof of service.
Typical notice periods for unpaid rent by state
These are the usual minimum notice periods before a landlord may file an eviction case for nonpayment of rent, as of 2025. Leases, local ordinances and emergency rules can require longer notice or specific wording, and legislatures change these periods often, so treat this as a starting point and confirm the current statute or court self-help page before serving.
| State | Nonpayment notice | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 7 days | |
| Alaska | 7 days | |
| Arizona | 5 days | |
| Arkansas | 3 days | |
| California | 3 court days | Court days: weekends and judicial holidays are excluded; the notice may demand rent only, not late fees |
| Colorado | 10 days | |
| Connecticut | 3 days | Served only after the 9-day grace period has passed |
| Delaware | 5 days | |
| District of Columbia | 30 days | |
| Florida | 3 business days | Weekends and legal holidays are excluded |
| Georgia | 3 business days | A written demand giving 3 business days to pay or vacate |
| Hawaii | 5 business days | |
| Idaho | 3 days | |
| Illinois | 5 days | |
| Indiana | 10 days | |
| Iowa | 3 days | |
| Kansas | 3 days | 10 days if the tenancy has lasted less than three months |
| Kentucky | 7 days | |
| Louisiana | 5 days | Unless the lease waives notice |
| Maine | 7 days | |
| Maryland | 10 days | Written notice of intent to file before going to court |
| Massachusetts | 14 days | |
| Michigan | 7 days | |
| Minnesota | 14 days | |
| Mississippi | 3 days | |
| Missouri | No statutory period | No statutory waiting period; a written demand for rent is still recommended |
| Montana | 3 days | |
| Nebraska | 7 days | |
| Nevada | 7 judicial days | Judicial days |
| New Hampshire | 7 days | |
| New Jersey | No statutory period | No notice to quit is required for nonpayment, but a written rent demand is recommended |
| New Mexico | 3 days | |
| New York | 14 days | A written 14-day rent demand |
| North Carolina | 10 days | |
| North Dakota | 3 days | |
| Ohio | 3 days | |
| Oklahoma | 5 days | |
| Oregon | 10 days | 10 days if served on or after the 8th day of the rental period, or 13 days if served on or after the 5th |
| Pennsylvania | 10 days | |
| Rhode Island | 5 days | |
| South Carolina | 5 days | |
| South Dakota | 3 days | |
| Tennessee | 14 days | |
| Texas | 3 days | Unless the lease sets a different period |
| Utah | 3 business days | |
| Vermont | 14 days | |
| Virginia | 14 days | |
| Washington | 14 days | |
| West Virginia | No statutory period | No statutory notice period |
| Wisconsin | 5 days | 5-day pay-or-vacate for month-to-month and leases of one year or less |
| Wyoming | 3 days |
Notice types at a glance
| Notice | Used for | Tenant's options | Common length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay rent or quit | Unpaid rent | Pay in full or move out | 3 to 14 days |
| Cure or quit | Fixable lease violation | Fix the problem or move out | 3 to 30 days |
| Unconditional quit | Serious or repeated violations, illegal activity | Move out | 3 to 30 days |
| Termination of tenancy | Ending a month-to-month rental | Move out by the end date | 30 to 90 days |
Avoid the most common notice mistakes
- Wrong amount. Demand only what is actually owed and allowed; overstating rent or adding fees your state forbids can invalidate the notice.
- Short deadline. Count from the day after delivery, skip weekends where business or court days apply, and add mailing days if your state requires them. When unsure, give an extra day.
- Missing names. Name every adult tenant on the lease; adding all other occupants helps cover people not on the lease.
- Improper delivery. Use a service method your state permits, and record the date, time and method on the proof of service.
- Local rules. Cities with just-cause or rent stabilization laws (for example many in California, New York, New Jersey, Oregon and Washington) may require extra wording or a filed copy.
- No self-help. Never change the locks, remove belongings or cut utilities; only a court can order an eviction.
Frequently asked questions
How many days' notice must a landlord give for unpaid rent?
It depends on the state. Common periods are 3 days (for example Ohio, Texas, and California, where it is 3 court days), 5 days (Illinois, Arizona), 7 days (Michigan), 10 days (Colorado, Pennsylvania, North Carolina) and 14 days (New York, Washington, Massachusetts, Virginia). A few states, such as New Jersey and Missouri, have no statutory waiting period. The tool loads the typical period for each state as of 2025; always confirm the current law and any city rules.
What is the difference between pay or quit, cure or quit and unconditional quit?
A pay-or-quit notice gives the tenant a set number of days to pay the full rent owed or move out. A cure-or-quit notice is for a fixable lease violation, such as an unauthorized pet. An unconditional notice to quit requires the tenant to leave with no chance to fix the problem and is usually allowed only for serious or repeated violations or illegal activity.
How is the deadline calculated?
Counting normally starts the day after the notice is delivered. With calendar days every day counts; with business or court days weekends are skipped (and holidays too, which you should remove manually). Some states add days when a notice is mailed, and many move a deadline that lands on a weekend or holiday to the next business day. You can set each of these in the form.
Can a landlord include late fees in a pay-or-quit notice?
In some states only the rent itself may be demanded in the notice; California is a well-known example. Elsewhere, late fees may be included only if the lease provides for them. When in doubt, list rent only and collect fees separately; an overstated amount can make the notice invalid.
Does an eviction notice mean the tenant has to leave right away?
No. A notice is the step that must come before a court case. If the tenant does not pay, fix the problem or leave by the deadline, the landlord must file an eviction lawsuit and win a judgment. Only a sheriff, marshal or similar officer can carry out a removal. Changing locks, removing belongings or shutting off utilities is illegal self-help in virtually every state.
How should the notice be delivered?
Most states allow personal delivery to the tenant, leaving it with an adult at the home plus mailing, or posting it on the door plus mailing, and some allow certified mail. Use a method your state permits, keep a copy, and complete the proof of service section with the date, time and method.
Is my information uploaded?
No. The notice is built and converted to PDF or Word entirely in your browser; names, addresses and amounts never leave your device.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.