Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

The tenant has to pay the 30 days. Why should it be rent free. The thirty day notice merely is stating that on a month to month tenancy you have decided not to renew the lease for another period of time. If the tenant still refuses to pay rent [the security deposit is not rent] and you gave proper written notice to a tenant who has been there less than one year [entitled to 60 days notice if more than a year], immediately give them a three day notice once the rent is late as they are unlikely to pay you any more rent or even move out on time. you should also read some of the Nolo Press books on landlording so y9u know the law and your rights and obligations.