[CA] How do I legally deliver a notice to quit in California?
I gave my tenants a 3-day notice to pay rent or quit on April 22, 2025, but I sent it via text, email, and certified mail. I was told those aren't valid methods and could get dismissed in court. Do I have to serve them with another 3-day notice before filing for eviction?
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There are three valid methods to deliver a notice in California (California Code of Civil Procedure § 1162):
- Hand deliver it.
- Give it to another adult at the home or workplace and mail a copy.
- Post it on the home and mail a copy.
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I gave my tenants a 3-day notice to pay rent or quit on April 22, 2025, but I sent it via text, email, and certified mail. I was told those aren't valid methods and could get dismissed in court. Do I have to serve them with another 3-day notice before filing for eviction?
Alex, Esq.
This is Alex, Esq., and welcome to AskaLawyer. I’ve been a legal expert on the site for over a decade. I’m here to help guide you. Do you know if the notice was received by them?
They didn’t open the door to sign for the certified mail, but I have a tracking update that the carrier left a note to pick it up — I know they won’t. I Googled it, and it said in California, it’s not valid, and when I tried to complete the unlawful detainer form, there was no option for certified mail.
Alex, Esq.
There are three valid methods to deliver a notice in California (California Code of Civil Procedure § 1162):
- Hand deliver it.
- Give it to another adult at the home or workplace and mail a copy.
- Post it on the home and mail a copy.
I did certified mail, and on the form, it says this does not work for 3-day notice. They won’t open the door to accept the letter in person. So does that mean I have not served a valid 3-day notice?
Alex, Esq.
Correct. To be safe, you can repost and mail the notice again. It's better to delay three days than run into court issues that cause longer delays.
So then it can be posted and photographed? Post and mail — that’s valid?
Alex, Esq.
Yes. You or someone 18+ can post it on the door and mail a copy. The three-day countdown starts the day after it’s mailed.
Okay, but because I didn’t do that originally, I have to send another notice?
Alex, Esq.
Yes, to be safe.
Is regular mail sufficient? And does the three-day period start from the postmark date or when they receive it?
Alex, Esq.
Yes, regular mail is sufficient. The period starts the day after it’s mailed.
Can I mail it the same day I post it on the door?
Alex, Esq.
Yes.
Why is regular mail acceptable but certified mail isn’t?
Alex, Esq.
That’s just what California law requires. I agree certified mail seems better, but that’s not what the statute says.
If there are two tenants, do I serve them separately? Also, I printed out multiple copies. Can I sign each of them? Do they need an original signature?
Alex, Esq.
You can post a notice addressed to both. Yes, you can sign each notice in ink and keep copies. Mail the original signed notice.
So, I post the original with ink signature on the door, mail a copy (another ink-signed version?), and keep one signed for myself?
Alex, Esq.
Yes. Also, take a photo of the notice posted on the door.
I’m confused. Who gets the original?
Alex, Esq.
The tenants do. But you can sign another one and keep that for your records.
Am I allowed to ask them when they’re leaving and when I can get my keys?
Alex, Esq.
Yes, you can ask. Hopefully, they’ll move out and return the keys amicably.
Thank you. I just want to make sure I’m doing this right and won’t run into problems in court.
Alex, Esq.
You’re welcome. I’m glad I could help. Let me know if you have any more questions.
I’m happy with the help. Thank you!
Alex, Esq.
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