Notice to Quit — San Diego, CA

What this San Diego letter does

A notice to quit is the formal written demand that a tenant vacate the rental unit. It is required by statute before you can file an eviction and it is the date in this letter that the court will look at to determine whether the notice was timely.

How California law applies in San Diego

California typically requires at least 30 days' written notice for the termination of a month-to-month tenancy. 60 days if the tenant has lived in the unit for a year or more; statewide just-cause rules (Civil Code § 1946.2) can also apply. The notice period begins when the tenant actually receives the notice; if the tenant does not vacate by the date in the notice, you can file for possession in California superior court.

Prefer the statewide version? See the California template → · Statute last reviewed June 2026 · Compare all 50 states →

What to expect after you send it

If the tenant complies and moves out, schedule a move-out inspection and document the unit's condition. If the tenant does not move out by the date in the notice, you will need to file an unlawful-detainer (eviction) action.

Where to file in San Diego if the letter is ignored

For a San Diego dispute that escalates, the usual venue is the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego (Small Claims), serving San Diego County. Small-claims filings there are inexpensive and do not require a lawyer — bring this letter, proof of delivery, and your supporting documents.

Sample Notice to Quit letter — San Diego, CA

Bracketed fields are placeholders — the generator fills them from your answers and applies the correct statutory citations for your jurisdiction.

[YOUR NAME (LANDLORD / MANAGER)]
[YOUR MAILING ADDRESS]

July 24, 2026

[TENANT FULL NAME]
[TENANT ADDRESS]

Re:  Notice to Quit and Surrender Possession
     [RENTAL-UNIT ADDRESS]

Dear [TENANT FULL NAME]:

You are hereby notified to vacate and surrender possession of the above premises on or before [date], which is at least 30 days from the date of this notice as required by California law.

Reason for this notice: [REASON FOR THE NOTICE]

If you fail to vacate on or before [date], I will commence proceedings to recover possession of the premises (unlawful detainer / eviction) without further notice. You will be liable for any unpaid rent, holdover damages, court costs, and attorney fees allowed by California law and your lease.

Please contact me at the address above to arrange the return of keys and a move-out inspection.

Sincerely,



[YOUR NAME (LANDLORD / MANAGER)]

Download this template (Word) — free, no signup

Common mistakes to avoid in San Diego

• Miscalculating the notice period — count days carefully and account for service method.
• Using the wrong notice type (cure-or-quit vs unconditional vs end-of-tenancy).
• Failing to serve correctly. Most states require personal service or a substituted-service procedure.
• Accepting rent during the notice period, which can reset the clock in many states.

If your letter is ignored

• If the tenant vacates, document the unit's condition and return the security deposit per state law.
• If the tenant remains past the deadline, file for unlawful detainer (eviction). The court will not require a second notice.
• Bring this letter, proof of service, the lease, and any communications to the eviction hearing.

How to generate your San Diego letter

Five steps, usually under ten minutes total.

1. Sign in or create an account. Only your email and a password are required — no card until you unlock your finished letter.
2. Click "Start my letter". On any Notice to Quit page, click the Start button. We create a draft you can come back to.
3. Fill in your facts. Names, addresses, dates, and amounts. Plain-language prompts guide every field. Save as a draft if you need to gather information.
4. Click Finalize. Traquor renders your letter with your state's statutory citations and notice periods where they apply.
5. Print or save as PDF. Your finalized letter is in a clean paper layout. Use your browser to print or save as a PDF, then mail, email, or hand-deliver.

More Landlord letters for San Diego

• Rent DemandSan Diego →
• Lease Violation NoticeSan Diego →
• Notice of EntrySan Diego →
• Lease Non-RenewalSan Diego →

All letters for San Diego →  ·  All California letters →