California notice to vacate

Frequently asked questions

How much notice must a tenant give to end a month-to-month lease in California?

30 days. Give it in writing and keep proof of delivery. Verified July 2026 against Cal. Civ. Code § 1946.1 (notice); § 1946.2 (just cause).

How much notice must a landlord give to end a month-to-month tenancy in California?

30 days if any tenant has lived there under 1 year; 60 days if 1+ year. Statewide just-cause (AB 1482) also requires an allowable reason for covered units. Local rent-control/just-cause ordinances (LA, SF, Oakland, etc.) can impose stricter cause and relocation-payment rules.

Can a landlord end a month-to-month tenancy without cause in California?

Generally yes, with proper notice: 30 days if any tenant has lived there under 1 year; 60 days if 1+ year. Statewide just-cause (AB 1482) also requires an allowable reason for covered units Confirm with Cal. Civ. Code § 1946.1 (notice); § 1946.2 (just cause) and any local ordinance.

What statute governs notice to vacate in California?

Cal. Civ. Code § 1946.1 (notice); § 1946.2 (just cause). The source text is at https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/civil-code/civ-sect-1946-1/.

Is this legal advice?

No. This is a best-effort summary compiled from a cited source and verified July 2026. Notice rules change and many cities add stricter just-cause or longer-notice ordinances a summary can't capture. Confirm with the current statute or a licensed attorney before relying on it.