As a California real estate attorney and business template writer with over 12 years of experience drafting landlord-tenant documents, I’ve helped hundreds of landlords and tenants properly terminate month-to-month tenancies across Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and the rest of the Golden State. One of the most frequently requested forms in my practice is the California 60-day notice to vacate — also called a 60-day notice of termination of tenancy or 60-day notice to quit. Below you’ll find my fully updated 2025 template, completely free to download, along with step-by-step guidance on when and how to use it correctly under current California law.
A 60-day notice to vacate California is a written document that either a landlord or a tenant uses to terminate a month-to-month rental agreement (or a fixed-term lease that has converted to month-to-month) when no fault or cause exists. Under California Civil Code § 1946 and the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482), most tenants who have occupied a property for 12 months or more are entitled to 60 days’ advance written notice before the tenancy can end.
This form is sometimes confused with a 30-day notice or a 3-day notice to pay rent or quit. A true 60-day notice of termination of tenancy California is a no-fault termination document and does not start an eviction lawsuit by itself — it simply notifies the other party that the tenancy will end on a specific date.
Since January 1, 2020 (and still in effect in 2025), California statewide rent-cap and just-cause eviction rules require landlords to provide:
Cities with their own stronger rent ordinances (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, etc.) almost always require 60 days regardless of tenancy length, and some even require relocation assistance.
Important 2025 note: Tenants who lived in the property on or before June 30, 2022, and still reside there remain covered by the COVID-19 Tenant Relief Act extensions in certain circumstances — always double-check with local rules.
Download 60-Day Notice to Vacate California (PDF) | Download as Word .docx
Both versions are 100% free, compliant with Civil Code § 1946, AB 1482, and Judicial Council proof-of-service requirements.
| Tenant Name(s): | John A. Smith and Jane B. Smith |
| Property Address: | 1234 Sunset Blvd, Apt 567, Los Angeles, CA 90028 |
| Date Notice Given: | November 19, 2025 |
| Move-Out Date: | January 18, 2026 (60 days from service) |
Yes! Tenants in California are only required to give 30 days’ notice to terminate a month-to-month tenancy (Civil Code § 1946), but many tenants choose to give 60 days to stay on good terms and ensure full security deposit return. The template above works perfectly for tenants — simply change the opening paragraph to reflect that the tenant is giving notice.
Is a 60-day notice the same as an eviction notice in California?
No. A 60-day no-fault notice ends the tenancy peacefully. An eviction (unlawful detainer) only begins if the tenant does not move out after the notice expires.
Do I need to pay relocation assistance with a 60-day notice?
Only in certain rent-controlled cities (Los Angeles, San Francisco, etc.) or if the property is withdrawn from the rental market under the Ellis Act.
Where can I find the official law?
California Civil Code § 1946 – leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) summary – hcd.ca.gov
This article and template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently, and local ordinances in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, San Diego, and other cities may impose additional requirements. Always consult a licensed California attorney or local housing authority before serving any notice to terminate tenancy.
© 2025 – All rights reserved. You may download and use the free 60-day notice to vacate California template for personal or business use.