What is the difference between pay-or-quit and cure-or-quit in California?
A pay-or-quit notice is for non-payment of rent: the tenant must pay the full amount due within the notice period or vacate. A cure-or-quit notice is for any other lease violation: the tenant must fix the breach (remove the pet, stop the nuisance, repair the damage) or vacate. California typically requires different notice periods for each: 3 days for pay-or-quit under CCP 1161(2), 30 days for no-fault termination (60 for tenancies over 1 year) under AB 1482. An unconditional quit notice (no cure option) is reserved for the most serious breaches like illegal activity. The notice must clearly identify which type it is.
Source: California eviction statute
This is an informational answer based on California eviction statute as of early 2026. It is not legal advice. Housing law changes year to year and local ordinances (especially in rent-controlled or rent-stabilized cities) can override or add to state law. For contested cases, consult a California-licensed attorney.