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If you get a Notice

Before your landlord can start an eviction case, they must give you a written Notice. This Notice tells you:

  • Why they want to end your rental

  • What you need to do

  • How much time you have to do it or move out

A Notice is a warning with a deadline.

 

If you don’t do what the Notice says by the deadline, your landlord can start a court case to evict you. They can ask a judge to order you to move out — and may also ask for money.

 

Jump to:

1. Understand the Notice

Figure out what your Notice means

There are different types of Notices. Some tell you to pay money or fix a problem. Others just tell you to move out.

How to figure out your deadline

Look at the number in the Notice (like 3-day or 30-day). That’s your deadline.

  • For pay or quit or fix or quit Notices: Don’t count weekends or court holidays.

  • For move-out only Notices: Count every day. But if the last day is a weekend or holiday, the deadline is the next business day.

Examples of Notices you might get

  • Do something or move out

    3-day Notice to Perform Covenants or Quit

    You must do something (like remove a pet if pets aren’t allowed) or move out in 3 days.

  • Move out by a deadline

    3-day Notice to Quit

    Your landlord says you seriously broke the lease. You must move out in 3 days.

     

    30-day or 60-day Notice to Quit

    Your landlord is ending your rental and you must move out by the deadline.

See other types of Notices

2. Check if the Notice is legal

The Notice must:

⚠️ If your landlord didn't follow the rules, the court might not allow the eviction.

Get legal help if you're not sure if the Notice is legal or don't understand what it says. Find free legal and housing help.

    3. Decide what to do next

    If you agree with the Notice

    Do what it says by the deadline. If you do, your landlord shouldn’t start an eviction case.

    If you partly agree or disagree

    Talk to your landlord. You can ask to work it out with a mediator — a trained person who helps people agree.

    If you don’t reach an agreement by the deadline, your landlord can start a court case.

    Learn about mediators

    If you do nothing

    Your landlord can start an eviction case. If you lose in court:

    • A sheriff can make you leave your home.

    • The eviction can stay on your record for 7 years.

    Learn more about your options and what might be best for you

    What you should know about the CARES Act

    If your rental is covered by the CARES Act, your landlord must give you a 30-day Notice to Vacate.

    This applies if your landlord:

    • Gets help from certain federal housing programs

    • Has a federally backed mortgage

    When your landlord may not need to give a Notice

    Your landlord might not need to give you a Notice before filing an eviction case if:

    • You had a lease for a set time (like 1 year) and it ended

    • You gave notice to move out but didn’t leave

    • You live where you work, and your job ended

    Key takeaways

    • A Notice is not a court form. It tells you what your landlord wants and gives you a deadline.

    • There are different types of Notices, each with different rules and timelines.

    • You can pay, fix the problem, move out, talk to your landlord, or do nothing — but each has risks and benefits.

    • Get free legal help if you have questions or aren’t sure what to do.

    • Some properties are protected by the CARES Act, which changes the rules.

    Get a Notice

    What's next?

    If you didn't do what the Notice says, your landlord can start an eviction case in court. If they do, you'll get a copy of the court papers (Summons and Complaint forms). Find out what you can do if they start an eviction case.

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