Lease Violation Notice Template + How to Serve It Properly
A properly written and served lease violation notice is essential for documenting issues and potentially starting the eviction process. This guide provides templates and explains exactly how to handle lease violations legally.
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
What is a Lease Violation Notice?
A lease violation notice (also called a cure or quit notice) is a formal document that notifies a tenant they have broken a term of their lease agreement and must correct the issue or face consequences.
- Documents the specific violation in writing
- Provides tenant opportunity to fix the problem (cure)
- Creates legal record for potential eviction
- Required first step before eviction in most states
- Protects landlord from claims of unfair treatment
- Specifies deadline for compliance
Common Lease Violations
Understanding what constitutes a lease violation helps landlords address issues properly and tenants understand their obligations.
- Unauthorized pets or additional occupants
- Excessive noise or disturbances
- Property damage beyond normal wear
- Illegal activity on premises
- Unauthorized alterations to property
- Failure to maintain cleanliness
- Running a business from residential unit
- Parking violations
- Smoking in non-smoking units
- Late rent payments (though typically separate notice)
Required Elements of a Valid Notice
A lease violation notice must contain specific information to be legally enforceable.
- Property address and unit number
- Date of the notice
- Specific lease clause that was violated
- Detailed description of the violation
- Evidence or documentation if available
- Cure period (time to fix the issue)
- Consequences if not corrected
- Landlord signature and contact information
How to Properly Serve the Notice
Proper service is critical. An improperly served notice may not hold up in court.
- Personal delivery to tenant (best method)
- Certified mail with return receipt requested
- First-class mail plus posting on door (some states)
- Keep copies of all notices sent
- Document date, time, and method of service
- Take photos of posted notices with timestamps
- Follow your specific state requirements
State-Specific Cure Periods
The amount of time tenants have to fix violations varies significantly by state.
- California: 3 days for most violations
- Texas: 3 days (written lease may specify longer)
- Florida: 7 days for curable violations
- New York: 10 days minimum
- Illinois: 10 days for first violation
- Some violations are non-curable (illegal activity)
- Always check your state specific laws
Frequently Asked Questions
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