Pay or Quit Notice Template – Free Download 2026

TO: [____________] ("Tenant") and all other occupants in possession of the premises located at [____________] (the "Premises"). You are hereby notified that pursuant to [applicable state statute citation], you are required to pay the full amount of rent past due set forth herein OR vacate and surrender possession of the Premises within [3 / 5 / 14] days of service of this notice (the "Notice Period"). The applicable Notice Period is determined by the laws of the State of [____________] governing pay-or-quit notices. This notice is served by [____________] ("Landlord") in connection with the lease agreement dated [____________] (the "Lease").

The statutory notice period applicable to this notice is [three (3) / five (5) / fourteen (14)] days, as required by [applicable state statute citation]. The Notice Period begins on the date of personal service upon Tenant or, if Tenant is absent from the Premises, upon posting and mailing as permitted by applicable state law. Landlord has elected this notice period based on the nature of the tenancy and the laws of the jurisdiction in which the Premises is situated. All time computations shall be made in accordance with applicable state law, and Sundays and judicial holidays [are / are not] counted depending on state law.

This notice is delivered via [personal service upon Tenant / posting on the main entrance door of the Premises and mailing by first-class mail to Tenant's last known address / certified mail, return receipt requested] in accordance with the service requirements of [applicable state statute citation]. Proof of service shall be maintained by Landlord and is available upon request. In the event of any inconsistency between the terms of this notice and mandatory requirements of applicable state law, applicable state law shall control.

Landlord demands payment of the following amounts currently past due and owing under the Lease: (a) Base Rent for the period(s) of [____________] through [____________]: $__________; (b) Late fee(s) accrued as of the date of this notice, as permitted by Section [____________] of the Lease and applicable law: $__________; (c) Utility charges or pass-through expenses due under the Lease for the period(s) of [____________]: $__________; (d) Other charges permitted by the Lease and applicable law [describe: ____________]: $__________. TOTAL AMOUNT DUE: $__________.

The total amount demanded in this notice represents only the rent and other charges that are currently past due and legally collectible under the Lease and applicable law as of the date of this notice. Landlord expressly reserves the right to seek any additional amounts that may become due after the date of this notice, including rent accruing during the Notice Period, in any subsequent legal proceeding. Tenant is advised that acceptance of partial payment by Landlord [will / will not] waive Landlord's right to proceed with eviction, depending on applicable state law and the terms of this notice.

Payment of the total amount set forth in Section 2.1 must be made in full by cash, certified check, cashier's check, or money order payable to [____________] and delivered to Landlord at [____________] no later than the expiration of the Notice Period. Personal checks [will / will not] be accepted. Payment in full of all amounts demanded shall cure the default and render this notice void. Partial payment shall not cure the default unless expressly agreed to in writing by Landlord and shall not constitute a waiver of Landlord's right to pursue the full amount owed.

Tenant must pay the total amount demanded herein IN FULL on or before [____________] (the "Payment Deadline"), which is [3 / 5 / 14] days from the date of service of this notice as calculated under applicable state law. Payment must be received by Landlord — not merely postmarked — by the Payment Deadline. Tenant shall pay by [cash / certified check / cashier's check / money order] delivered in person or by overnight courier to Landlord's designated agent at the address set forth above. Electronic payment is acceptable only if Landlord provides prior written authorization.

If Tenant is unable to pay the full amount demanded, Tenant should immediately contact Landlord at [____________] to discuss potential payment arrangements. Any payment plan or forbearance agreement must be in writing and signed by Landlord to be binding. Tenant may also wish to contact local rental assistance programs, tenant advocacy organizations, or legal aid at [____________] for assistance. Nothing herein shall obligate Landlord to enter into any payment arrangement, and Landlord's willingness to discuss payment options shall not extend the Notice Period or constitute a waiver of any rights.

IF TENANT FAILS TO PAY THE TOTAL AMOUNT DEMANDED IN FULL OR VACATE THE PREMISES BY THE PAYMENT DEADLINE, Landlord will commence an action for unlawful detainer (eviction) in the [____________] Court, County of [____________], State of [____________], without further notice. In such action, Landlord will seek: (a) a judgment for possession of the Premises; (b) a money judgment for all unpaid rent, fees, and charges through the date of judgment; (c) holdover damages if applicable; (d) court costs and filing fees; and (e) reasonable attorneys' fees to the extent permitted by the Lease and applicable law.

An eviction judgment entered against Tenant will be a matter of public record and may be reported to credit reporting agencies and tenant screening services, which may significantly impair Tenant's ability to rent future housing. A writ of possession issued by the court will authorize a law enforcement officer to physically remove Tenant and all occupants and their personal property from the Premises. Landlord will also seek all costs of re-letting the Premises, including any period of vacancy, as permitted by applicable law.

Tenant has the right to contest this eviction in court and may raise any legally recognized defenses, including the habitability defense, retaliation defense, and any procedural deficiencies in this notice. Tenant is strongly encouraged to seek legal counsel prior to the Payment Deadline. Local legal aid organizations and tenant rights groups may be able to provide free or low-cost assistance. Landlord's rights and remedies set forth in this notice are in addition to, and not in limitation of, any other rights and remedies available under the Lease and applicable law.