Free Notice to Cure or Quit (for Non-Compliance)

Notice to Cure or Quit (for Non-Compliance)

A notice to cure or quit is a formal letter a landlord issues to inform a tenant that they have violated the lease agreement, not relating to a late or partial rent payment. The notice details the violation, provides a correction timeframe, and outlines the consequences if the violation is not fixed. The eviction process may proceed if the tenant does not comply.

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Last updated March 22nd, 2025

A notice to cure or quit is a formal letter a landlord issues to inform a tenant that they have violated the lease agreement, not relating to a late or partial rent payment. The notice details the violation, provides a correction timeframe, and outlines the consequences if the violation is not fixed. The eviction process may proceed if the tenant does not comply.

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Common Lease Violations

Tenants legally commit to the lease agreement terms when signing. If tenants violate these terms, they may receive a notice from the landlord or face eviction. Some common violations include:

  • Unauthorized pets (e.g., dogs, cats)
  • Property damage (due to recklessness, unauthorized renovations, or negligence)
  • Noise disturbances (excessive noise complaints from neighbors)
  • Long-term guests (exceeding the permitted stay outlined in the lease)
  • Unauthorized subletting (renting out the unit without approval)
  • Failure to maintain the property (including hygiene and safety violations)
  • Homeowners Association (HOA) violations

A separate Illegal Activity Notice to Quit should be used for illegal activity violations.

 

Step-By-Step Guide for Cure or Quit Eviction Notice (5 steps)

A Cure or Quit Eviction Notice follows a process similar to unpaid rent but requires proof of the exact violation.

Step 1 – Collect Proof

The landlord must provide evidence of the violation, which can include:

  • Photos or videos of the violation
  • Witness statements (from neighbors or other tenants)
  • Official complaints or notices

For violations inside a residence, the landlord must give proper notice before entering to document the issue.

 

Step 2 – Complete the Notice Template

The Cure or Quit Notice must include:

  • Tenant’s name
  • Address and unit number
  • Specific violation(s)
  • Actions required to cure the issue (if curable)
  • Deadline for compliance
  • Landlord’s signature

 

Step 3 – Deliver the Notice

The notice delivery method depends on state laws but commonly includes:

  • Certified mail (recommended USPS with return receipt)
  • Personal delivery to the tenant
  • Posting the notice on the tenant’s door

It is important to note that the eviction may be dismissed in court if a landlord fails to follow the legal delivery requirements.

 

Step 4 – Wait for Compliance “Cure”

The tenant must fix the violation within the timeframe if the violation is curable. Some examples of remedial actions include:

  • Removing an unauthorized pet
  • Repairing property damage
  • Quitting disruptive behavior
  • Removing an unauthorized guest

If the issue is incurable, the tenant must vacate the property within the specified time. After receiving the return receipt, contacting the tenant to confirm their plans for fixing the issue to verify compliance is recommended. Scheduling an inspection is also recommended.

 

Step 5 – Conduct an Inspection

Once the notice period ends, the landlord should inspect the unit to verify compliance. A 48-hour notice is recommended before entering. If the tenant has not mended the violation, they must vacate immediately.

 

Key Takeaways

  • A Cure or Quit Notice allows tenants to fix a lease violation before eviction.
  • Landlords must gather proof, complete the correct form, and deliver it legally.
  • If the violation is not corrected, eviction proceedings can begin after the notice period.
  • The process varies by state, so landlords should check local regulations.

 

The Eviction Process

If the tenant fails to fix the violation or vacate, the next step is filing an eviction lawsuit. Eviction is a legal process where a landlord removes a tenant from a rental property due to a lease violation.

 

Requirements for an Eviction Due to Lease Violations

Tenants cannot be evicted for just any reason. Legitimate grounds for eviction must exist, such as:

  • Financial damages to the landlord (property damage or unpaid rent)
  • Disruption to other tenants (repeated noise complaints or unsafe behavior)

The landlord may face legal consequences if they attempt an eviction without valid reasoning.

 

State Laws

State Notice Period for Non-Compliance Statute
 Alabama 7 days § 35-9A-421)
 Alaska 10 days § 34.03.220(a)(2)
 Arizona 10 days § 33-1368(A)
 Arkansas 14 days § 18-60-304
 California 3 days § 1161(3)
 Colorado 10 days § 13-40-104
 Connecticut 15 days § 47a-15(a)
 Delaware 7 days § 5513
 Florida 7 days § 83.56(2)
 Georgia N/A No statute
 Hawaii 10 days § 521-72
 Idaho 3 days § 6-303(3)
 Illinois 3 days § 735 ILCS 5/9-210
 Indiana N/A No statute
 Iowa 7 days § 562A.27(1)
 Kansas *14 days *§ 58-2564
 Kentucky 15 days § 383.660(1)
 Louisiana 5 days § 4701
 Maine 7 days § 6002 & § 6025
 Maryland 30 days § 402.1(a)(1)
 Massachusetts N/A No statute
 Michigan 7 days § 600.5714
 Minnesota N/A No statute
 Mississippi 30 days § 89-8-13
 Missouri 10 days § 441.040
 Montana 14 days § 70-24-422
 Nebraska *14 days § 76-1431(1))
 Nevada *3 days *§ 40.2516
 New Hampshire 30 days § 540:3(II)
 New Jersey 30 days § 2A:18-61.2
 New Mexico  7 days § 47-8-33A
 New York  10 days § 753(4)
 North Carolina Immediate § 42-26
 North Dakota 3 days § 47-32-02
 Ohio 3 days § 1923.04
 Oklahoma 15 days § 132(B)
 Oregon 14/10 days § 90.392
 Pennsylvania N/A No statute
 Rhode Island  20 days § 34-18-36
 South Carolina 14 days § 27-40-710(a)
 South Dakota Before the end of the rental contract § 43-32-18
 Tennessee 30 days § 66-7-109
 Texas N/A No statute
 Utah 3 days § 78B-6-802
 Vermont  30 days § 4467
 Virginia *21 days *§ 55.1-1245(A)
 Washington  10 days § 59.12.030(4)
Washington D.C.  30 days § 42–3505.01(b) 
West Virginia  Immediate § 55-3A-1
 Wisconsin  Dependent on term § 704.17
 Wyoming  3 days § 1-21-1003
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