Notice to Pay Rent or Quit
Tentunit Template Library · Version 1.0 · [TEMPLATE — review before use]
Important: This is a general-purpose template provided for convenience under the Tentunit Templates Disclaimer & Jurisdiction Notice. It is not legal advice and is not state-specific unless expressly labeled. Landlord–tenant requirements (notice periods, day counts, service methods, disclosures) vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Verify against current local law — or consult a licensed attorney — before use. Complete every [BRACKETED FIELD] and delete instructions in italics before sending.
[DATE]
[TENANT NAME(S) — LIST ALL TENANTS ON THE LEASE] [PROPERTY ADDRESS] [UNIT NUMBER, IF ANY] [CITY, STATE ZIP]
RE: Notice to Pay Rent or Quit — [PROPERTY ADDRESS]
Dear [TENANT NAME(S)],
You are hereby notified that rent for the premises identified above is past due. The amounts owed as of the date of this notice are:
| Item | Period / Description | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Unpaid rent | [RENT PERIOD, e.g., July 1–31, 2026] | $[RENT AMOUNT] |
| Unpaid rent | [ADDITIONAL PERIOD, IF ANY — delete row if none] | $[AMOUNT] |
| Late fees | Per lease Section [SECTION NUMBER] | $[LATE FEE AMOUNT] |
| Other charges | [DESCRIPTION, e.g., returned-check fee — delete row if none] | $[AMOUNT] |
| Total amount due | $[TOTAL AMOUNT DUE] |
Delete before sending: some jurisdictions require this notice to demand ONLY rent, excluding late fees and other charges. Verify what may lawfully be included before serving; an inflated demand can invalidate the notice.
Demand. Within [NUMBER OF DAYS REQUIRED IN YOUR JURISDICTION] days after service of this notice — that is, no later than [PAY-BY DEADLINE DATE] — you must either:
- Pay the total amount due of $[TOTAL AMOUNT DUE] in full; or
- Quit — vacate and surrender possession of the premises to the landlord.
Delete before sending — read carefully: the required day count is commonly 3–14 days depending on the state, and some jurisdictions exclude weekends/holidays, count from the day after service, or require specific statutory language. Using the wrong count can void an eviction. Confirm the exact requirement, including how days are counted, before serving this notice.
How to pay. Payment must be made by one of the following methods:
- Certified or cashier’s check payable to [PAYEE NAME]
- Money order payable to [PAYEE NAME]
- Electronic payment via [PAYMENT PORTAL / SERVICE NAME]
- Deliver payment to: [PAYMENT ADDRESS OR LOCATION], [DAYS/HOURS PAYMENT WILL BE ACCEPTED]
If you do neither. If you fail to pay the total amount due or to vacate the premises within the time stated, the landlord may begin eviction (unlawful detainer) proceedings against you as permitted by law to recover possession of the premises, and may also seek a judgment for unpaid rent, damages, and costs to the extent allowed by law. This notice does not waive the landlord’s right to collect all amounts owed.
If you have already paid the amounts listed, or believe this notice was issued in error, contact us immediately at [PHONE NUMBER] or [EMAIL ADDRESS].
Sincerely,
[LANDLORD / AGENT NAME] [TITLE, e.g., Owner or Property Manager] [COMPANY NAME, IF ANY] [PHONE NUMBER] · [EMAIL ADDRESS] [MAILING ADDRESS]
Proof of Service (REQUIRED — complete and retain a copy; courts routinely require it in eviction cases)
I, [NAME OF PERSON SERVING NOTICE], served this Notice to Pay Rent or Quit on [DATE OF SERVICE] at [TIME OF SERVICE] by:
- Personal delivery to [NAME OF PERSON SERVED]
- Substituted service on a person of suitable age at the premises, with a copy mailed
- Posting in a conspicuous place at the rental unit, with a copy mailed
- Certified mail, return receipt requested, to the address above
Delete before filing: many states dictate which service methods are valid and in what order they must be attempted — verify before serving.
Signature: _______________________________ Date: [DATE]
Provided by Tentunit — see the Templates Disclaimer & Jurisdiction Notice at help.tentunit.com/policies/templates-disclaimer.