As a California real estate attorney with over 12 years drafting and reviewing residential lease agreements and eviction notices, I’ve helped hundreds of landlords and tenants properly end month-to-month tenancies using the 30 day notice California process. Today, I’m giving you my battle-tested, completely free 30 day notice to vacate California template in downloadable PDF and Word format – updated for 2025 and fully compliant with California Civil Code § 1946 and § 1946.1.
Important Disclaimer: This article and the free template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Always consult a licensed California attorney or local legal aid organization before serving or signing any notice.
A 30 day notice to vacate California (also called a 30 day notice to terminate tenancy) is a written document that either a landlord or tenant uses to end a month-to-month rental agreement. Under California law, most month-to-month tenants who have lived in the property for less than one year can be given (or give) just 30 days’ written notice. Tenants who have occupied the unit for one year or more are entitled to 60 days’ notice from the landlord (unless they live with the owner in a single-family home – then 30 days still applies).
Source: California Civil Code § 1946.1 and California Courts Self-Help Guide
Tenants use a 30-day notice to landlord California when they decide to move out of a month-to-month rental with no fixed-term lease. Common situations include:
Delivering a proper tenant 30 day notice California in writing is the only way to avoid being held liable for additional months of rent.
Landlords can serve a 30 day notice to tenant California on month-to-month tenants only when:
Otherwise, landlords must give 60 days. Source: Civil Code § 1946.1
Click below to instantly download my attorney-drafted template in both PDF and editable Word format:
Download 30 Day Notice to Vacate California PDF (Free)
Download 30 Day Notice California Template – Word .docx (Free)
| Field | What to Write |
|---|---|
| Date | Today’s date (the day you complete and sign) |
| Landlord/Tenant Name & Address | Full legal names exactly as on the lease |
| Rental Property Address | Complete address including unit number |
| Move-Out Date | At least 30 full days from the date of delivery. Must be the last day of a rental period if rent is due monthly. |
| Forwarding Address | Tenant should include where security deposit should be sent |
| Signature | Hand-signed (electronic OK if using DocuSign or similar compliant platform) |
California law requires “proper service.” The safest methods (in order of preference):
Source: Code of Civil Procedure § 1162 and California Department of Consumer Affairs
30-Day Notice of Termination of Tenancy
Date: November 19, 2025
To: John Smith, Landlord
123 Main Street, Apt 101
Los Angeles, CA 90001
I, Jane Doe, tenant at 456 Oak Avenue, Unit 12, Los Angeles, CA 90026, hereby give notice of my intention to vacate and terminate the month-to-month tenancy on December 31, 2025 (at least 30 days from delivery). Please send my security deposit refund and itemized deductions to my forwarding address: 789 New St, San Diego, CA 92101.
Signed: /s/ Jane Doe
Can a landlord refuse to accept my 30 day notice?
No. Once properly delivered, the tenancy ends on the stated date.
Do I have to pay rent for the full 30 days if I move out early?
Yes, unless the landlord re-rents the unit sooner.
Can I email the 30-day notice to landlord in California?
Only if the lease or landlord previously agreed in writing to accept electronic service.
What if my lease says I need 60 days’ notice?
The lease controls if it requires more notice than state law.
As of January 1, 2025, AB 2347 and the Tenant Protection Act continue to require 60 days for most tenants of 12+ months, but the 30-day notice period remains unchanged for short-term tenants and owner-occupied situations. Always check leginfo.legislature.ca.gov for the latest statutes.
Ready to end your tenancy the right way? Download my attorney-reviewed template instantly:
→ Free 30 Day Notice to Vacate California PDF
→ Free Editable 30 Day Notice California Word Document
Both versions include optional proof-of-service page and forwarding address section to maximize your security deposit return.
Have questions? Drop them in the comments below – I personally answer as many as possible. And remember: proper notice today saves thousands in potential disputes tomorrow.
Stay safe and good luck with your move!