Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

Re: 30 days notice to quit

A 30-day notice is most frequently used when the landlord wishes to terminate an indefinite term tenancy, e.g. month-to-month; it is also used when the occupant is a lodger in an owner-occupied residential building, or when the occupant is not the tenant (e.g. a person not named in the lease or rental agreement). If you do not fit one of these categories, the use of a 30-day notice is suspect and may be inappropriate.

Unlike a three-day notice, a 30-day notice should never present alternatives, e.g. pay rent or quit.

The requirements for a 30-day notice are: 1) in writing; 2) signed; 3) contain description of premises, e.g., the address and apartment number if applicable; 4) must clearly demand possession without offering alternatives; 5) contain reference to 30 days. If there is a local rent-control or eviction-control ordinance, the notice must also meet any local requirement imposed.

Significantly, there is NO requirement that the notice state a reason. This is because the law doesn't require that the landlord have a reason. It is sometimes said that a landlord can terminate a short-term tenancy for a good reason or no reason at all, but never for a bad reason, such as discrimination or retaliation. If you suspect a bad reason, you may have a case and should consult a tenants' rights organization.

On the other hand, losing a rental due to a 30-day notice should not have any bad effect on your credit unless there is a credit issue independent of the 30-day notice.