How to Serve a 3-Day Notice That Holds Up in Court
A Real Landlord Story
Maria, a landlord in San Diego, tried serving her own 3-Day Notice after her tenant skipped rent for two months. In court, the judge dismissed her case because the notice didn’t include the payment location. That mistake cost her another six weeks of lost rent.
Frustrated, Maria called Landlord Eviction Services. We prepared a compliant notice and handled service properly. This time, her eviction moved forward without delays, and she regained possession of her unit within weeks.
⭐ “I’ll never try to serve notices on my own again. Landlord Eviction Services saved me time and money.” – Maria, San Diego
When a Tenant Stops Paying, the First Step Is Notice
In California, the eviction process starts with a 3-Day Notice to Pay or Quit. If a tenant fails to pay rent on time, this notice gives them a short deadline: either pay what’s owed or move out.
But here’s the challenge—notices must be served correctly. If you get it wrong, your entire eviction case can be thrown out, costing you weeks of lost rent.
How to Properly Serve a 3-Day Notice
California law requires landlords to follow strict rules:
Personal delivery – Handing the notice directly to the tenant.
Substitute service – Leaving it with someone of suitable age at the residence and mailing a copy.
Posting & mailing – If the tenant cannot be located, the notice may be posted on the door and mailed.
👉 Any mistake (wrong address, missing signature, unclear amount owed) can invalidate the notice.
Why Working With Professionals Matters
DIY notices often miss key details, like:
Incorrect rent calculation
Not specifying payment location or method
Wrong tenant names listed
At Landlord Eviction Services, we prepare and serve legally compliant 3-Day Notices that hold up in court. With 35+ years of experience, our team ensures every notice is correct the first time—so you can move forward without delay.
📞 Call us today to protect your rental income.
Real Case Example
A landlord in Los Angeles tried to serve his own 3-Day Notice. In court, the judge dismissed the case because the notice lacked the total amount due. That mistake cost him an extra month of unpaid rent.
By contrast, when landlords work with us, they avoid costly errors and keep the eviction timeline moving forward.
What Happens After the 3 Days?
If the tenant pays in full, the eviction process ends. If they don’t, the landlord can proceed with filing an Unlawful Detainer lawsuit.
That’s why serving the notice correctly is so important—it’s the foundation of your entire case.
