How to send a non-renewal notice in California

In California, a non-renewal notice may be delivered by hand delivery, substituted service, posting at the property, certified mail with electronic return receipt; certified mail is permitted. The notice period is 30 days.

Last reviewed September 21, 2026 · Business research, not legal advice.

Requirement	California non-renewal notice
Delivery method	Hand delivery, substituted service, posting at the property, certified mail with electronic return receipt — Cortul also sends a First-Class copy.
Notice period	30 days (calendar days)
Deemed received	When it is mailed
Notice must include	State the just cause for termination (Civ. Code §1946.2) The abandoned-property statement (§1946.1(h)); for a no-fault just cause, the tenant's right to relocation assistance or the final month's rent waiver (§1946.2(d))
If refused or unclaimed	keep the certified record.
Statutes	Cal. Civ. Code §1946.1; §1946.2

Step by step

Write the notice with every required element (the California template in Cortul already has them).
Verify the recipient's mailing address with USPS.
Send it by a method the law allows, and keep a mailed copy.
Keep the mailing and tracking records, and your own record of any service you did yourself.
Calendar the deadline from the mailing date.