Completing a 3-day notice form correctly is essential for the notice to be legally valid. Follow these steps to fill out the form accurately.
Step 1: Identify the Type of Notice
Choose the correct type of 3-day notice based on the situation. Use a 3-day notice to pay rent or quit for unpaid rent, a 3-day notice to perform covenant or quit for lease violations, or a 3-day notice to quit for uncurable breaches such as illegal activity.
Step 2: Enter Tenant and Property Information
Enter the tenant's full legal name and the complete rental property address, including the unit number. This information must match the lease agreement exactly.
Step 3: State the Reason for the Notice
Clearly state the specific reason for the notice. For a pay-or-quit notice, include the exact amount of rent owed and the dates it covers. For a lease violation notice, describe the specific lease provision that was violated.
Step 4: Calculate the Compliance Deadline
Count three calendar days starting the day after service. Some states exclude weekends and holidays when calculating the three-day period. Check your state's landlord-tenant laws for the correct calculation method.
Step 5: Sign and Serve the Notice
Sign the notice as the landlord or authorized property manager. Serve the notice using a legally accepted delivery method for your state. Keep a signed copy and a written record of how and when it was delivered. For California tenants, see also: California 3-day quit notice and 60-day notice to vacate.