Unlike a 3-day notice, which generally responds to nonpayment of rent or a lease violation, a 30-day or 60-day notice is generally used to end a periodic tenancy (most commonly a month-to-month rental) without necessarily alleging any fault on the tenant's part — though, as discussed below, statewide just-cause rules now limit when a no-fault notice like this may be used.
The General 30-Day / 60-Day Distinction
Historically, California law generally required 30 days' notice to end a tenancy where the tenant had lived in the unit for less than one year, and 60 days' notice where the tenant had lived there for one year or more. This distinction can still matter, but it now operates alongside California's statewide just-cause protections described below.
Just-Cause Requirements May Also Apply
For many residential tenancies covered by California's statewide Tenant Protection Act, a landlord generally cannot end a tenancy with a no-fault 30-day or 60-day notice alone once the required occupancy threshold is met — a qualifying just cause is generally also required, and certain no-fault reasons can carry a relocation-assistance obligation. See our article on California rent control and eviction rules for a general overview of how these statewide and local rules interact.
Content and Delivery Requirements
Like other notices, a 30-day or 60-day notice generally must be in writing, must be delivered using a legally recognized method of service, and — where a just cause applies — may need to state the reason for ending the tenancy. Errors in any of these areas can potentially affect whether the notice is valid.
What Happens at the End of the Notice Period
If the tenant does not vacate by the end of a valid notice period, the landlord may generally proceed to file an unlawful detainer action, following the same general court process described in our overview of the California eviction process.
For Tenants Who Receive One
A 30-day or 60-day notice does not mean a tenant must leave immediately, and depending on the circumstances there may be questions worth raising about whether the notice complies with applicable just-cause and procedural requirements. Reviewing the notice with an attorney before the deadline can help clarify the available options.
If you are a landlord preparing a notice to end a tenancy, or a tenant who has received one, our office offers a free initial consultation to discuss the specific circumstances.