Free tool from McKee Properties
California notice periods depend on the type of notice and how it is delivered. A 3-day notice counts only court days (no Saturdays, Sundays or judicial holidays); a month-to-month termination needs 30 or 60 days; a rent increase needs 30 or 90 days, plus 5 calendar days if mailed within California; and entry needs reasonable written notice, with 24 hours presumed reasonable. Pick a notice type to get the dates.
Dates follow California statutes and the Judicial Council's published 2026 and 2027 court holidays, as of October 19, 2026. Notices themselves have content and service requirements this tool does not check, and some properties also need a just cause. Have an attorney review any notice before you serve it. This is general information, not legal advice.
How each notice period is counted
3-day notices
A notice to pay rent or quit, to cure a lease violation or quit, or to quit for waste or nuisance gives the tenant three days "excluding Saturdays and Sundays and other judicial holidays" (Code of Civil Procedure § 1161). Under the general rule for computing time, the day of service is not counted (CCP § 12). Some state holidays are not judicial holidays (CCP § 135): Lunar New Year, Diwali, Genocide Remembrance Day, Admission Day and Columbus Day. Courts are open on those days, so they count. For 2027, the court calendar lists Farmworkers Day on April 9 while the statute says March 31; this tool skips both. Whether substituted service or posting and mailing adds days is not settled in the statutes we reviewed, so this tool counts from the date of personal service only. See three-day notices.
Ending a month-to-month tenancy
An owner must give 60 days' notice, or 30 days if the tenant has lived there less than one year, or 30 days for certain sales to a buyer who will live in the home (Civil Code § 1946.1). Where the just-cause law applies, generally after a tenant has lived there 12 months, the notice must also state a just cause, and no-fault terminations require relocation assistance. See termination notices and just-cause eviction.
Rent increases
For a month-to-month tenancy, an increase of 10% or less over the prior 12 months needs at least 30 days' written notice; more than 10% needs at least 90 days (Civil Code § 827). If mailed within California, add 5 calendar days (CCP § 1013), so 35 or 95 days. The notice must be delivered in person or by mail. See the rent increase calculator for the cap.
Entry
Reasonable written notice is required, stating the date, approximate time and purpose. 24 hours is presumed reasonable, a mailed notice sent at least six days before is presumed reasonable, and entry is during normal business hours unless the tenant agrees otherwise (Civil Code § 1954). See landlord entry rules.
Frequently asked questions
Do weekends count in a California 3-day notice?
No. Saturdays, Sundays and judicial holidays are excluded when counting the three days of a notice to pay rent or quit, under Code of Civil Procedure § 1161.
How much notice is needed to end a month-to-month tenancy in California?
Sixty days if the tenant has lived there one year or more, and 30 days if less than one year or for a qualifying sale to an owner-occupant buyer. A just cause may also be required.
How much notice for a rent increase if I mail it?
Add 5 calendar days for mail within California: 35 days for an increase of 10% or less, and 95 days for more than 10%.
Is 24 hours' notice enough for a landlord to enter?
Twenty-four hours' written notice is presumed reasonable under Civil Code § 1954, for a permitted purpose and during normal business hours. A mailed notice should go out at least six days before entry.
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