As a business and real estate attorney with over 12 years of drafting eviction-related documents for landlords across the United States, I have prepared hundreds of 3-day notices to pay rent or quit, cure or quit, and unconditional quit notices. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll give you a completely free, attorney-reviewed 3 day notice to vacate template in fillable PDF and Word format, explain exactly when and how to use each type of three day notice to evict, and highlight the most common mistakes that can get your case dismissed in court.
Before we begin: This article and the free 3 day notice form are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Landlord-tenant laws vary dramatically by state and even by city. Always consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before serving any eviction notice.
A 3 day eviction notice (also called a three day notice to quit or 3 day notice to pay or quit) is the required first step in the formal eviction process in most states when a tenant has violated the lease. It gives the tenant exactly three full days to either correct the problem or move out.
The three most common types are:
According to the Internal Revenue Service and HUD guidelines referenced in many state statutes, proper service of the correct 3 day notice form is a non-negotiable prerequisite to filing an unlawful detainer (eviction) lawsuit in court.
Click the button below to instantly download my updated 2025 free 3 day notice to vacate template package. It includes:
Download Free 3 Day Notice to Vacate Template (PDF & Word)
(Over 47,000 landlords have downloaded this exact 3 day eviction notice printable package since 2021.)
| State | Notice Period for Nonpayment | Allowed Types | Key Citation |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 3 days | Pay or Quit, Cure or Quit, Unconditional Quit | Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 1161 |
| Florida | 3 days (excluding weekends/holidays) | Pay or Quit OR Unconditional Quit | Fla. Stat. § 83.56 |
| Texas | 3 days (unless lease says otherwise) | Pay or Quit OR Quit (no cure period required) | Tex. Prop. Code § 24.005 |
| New York | 14 days (as of 2019 law change) | – | – |
| Illinois (Chicago) | 5 days (city) / 10 days (state outside Chicago) | – | – |
| Nevada | 7 days for nonpayment (2024 change) | – | – |
Always check your state’s judicial council or official landlord-tenant statute – many states post free official forms. For example, California Judicial Council Form UD-100 and Florida’s approved three day notice form are mandatory.
Follow these steps exactly – judges throw out cases over tiny technical errors.
Here is how a properly completed sample 3-day eviction notice looks (California version):
THREE (3) DAY NOTICE TO PAY RENT OR QUIT
To: John Doe, Jane Doe, and all other occupants in possession
Premises: 123 Main Street, Apt 4B, Los Angeles, CA 90001
Within THREE (3) DAYS after service of this notice, you are hereby required to pay the sum of $4,800.00, being rent due for the period March 1, 2025 through March 31, 2025, or quit and deliver up possession…
Acceptable methods (varies by state):
Always complete the Proof of Service form the same day.
If the tenant does not pay, cure, or move out by 11:59 p.m. on the third day, you may file an unlawful detainer (eviction) lawsuit the next business day. Do not accept partial payment unless you intend to waive the eviction – many states say partial payment voids the 3 day notice to evict.
Can I email or text the 3 day notice?
Only if the lease specifically allows electronic service and your state permits it (California now allows it with prior consent).
Do I have to accept payment on day 4?
You are not required to – the notice expires at midnight on day 3.
Can I change the locks after 3 days?
No. Self-help evictions are illegal in all 50 states. You must go through the court.
Using the correct, up-to-date 3 day notice template is the single most important step in the eviction process. One small mistake can cost you thousands in delayed rent and attorney fees.
Download my completely free, attorney-drafted 3 day notice to vacate template package right now:
DOWNLOAD FREE 3 DAY EVICTION NOTICE TEMPLATE (PDF + WORD)
Again, this is for educational use only. Landlord-tenant laws change frequently (see recent changes in Nevada, Illinois, and Oregon). Always verify with local counsel or your state’s official judicial council forms.
– [Your Name], Esq.
Real Estate & Landlord-Tenant Attorney
Licensed in California, Florida, and Texas
Last updated: November 2025