15 Day Eviction Notice Template Where To Get One?

A 15‑day eviction notice is a landlord's written demand that a tenant either vacates the premises or corrects a lease violation within fifteen days, and the exact requirements differ from state to state. Most jurisdictions reserve shorter periods for outright rent non‑payment, reserving the 15‑day window for curable breaches or month‑to‑month terminations.

Typical uses include: an unauthorized pet discovered after move‑in; repeated noise complaints that breach a lease clause; a month‑to‑month tenancy that the landlord wishes to end; or, in states that allow it, a notice to cure repeated late‑rent incidents. In each case, the landlord must specify the violation, the cure deadline, and the consequences of non‑compliance, while the tenant gets a clear fifteen‑day window to act.

A 15‑day eviction notice is required only when the landlord's jurisdiction or the lease itself sets that exact period for a particular breach or tenancy end (as we outlined in the definition section). Because notice lengths differ dramatically across states, landlords should first verify whether their local law actually mandates fifteen days before proceeding.

• Lease expressly names a 15‑day cure period for missed rent after the statutory grace days (often 3‑5 days) - check the contract and state‑specific eviction guidelines on Nolo.
• Violation of a lease condition (pet rule, noise clause, etc.) where the agreement grants the tenant fifteen days to remedy.
• Month‑to‑month tenancy termination in a city that permits a fifteen‑day notice instead of the more common 30‑ or 60‑day requirement.
• Holdover after a fixed‑term lease ends and local statutes allow a fifteen‑day notice before filing an unlawful detainer action.
• Local housing authority or court order that specifies a fifteen‑day period as the minimum before proceeding to court.

(If none of these match, the next section will show how to check your state's rules.)

Find the exact requirements for a 15‑day eviction notice by looking up your state's landlord‑tenant code today. State rules dictate notice content, delivery method, and permissible reasons, so a quick verification saves headaches later.

1. Visit the official website of your state's housing or consumer department. For example, the California Department of Consumer Affairs hosts the full residential tenancy guide.
2. Locate the section titled 'Notice to Quit' or 'Eviction Procedures.' Statutes usually list the required 15‑day notice language and any mandatory disclosures.
3. Check for city or county ordinances that may add stricter notice periods. Many municipalities require a longer notice for rent‑controlled units.
4. Confirm the acceptable delivery methods - personal service, certified mail, or posting - since they differ across states.
5. Review a sample notice provided by the agency to ensure your draft matches the state‑mandated format.
6. If the language is unclear, contact a local legal‑aid organization such as TexasLawHelp for a quick clarification.

Following these steps guarantees that the 15‑day eviction notice you craft complies with the rules that apply to your specific jurisdiction.

A landlord can grab a reliable 15‑day eviction notice from any of these seven free sources:

• Nolo's free eviction notice forms include a generic 15‑day template ready for download.
• LawHelp.org aggregates state‑specific eviction resources, often offering a 15‑day version for states that allow it.
• Rocket Lawyer supplies a free 15‑day eviction notice after a quick sign‑up.
• USLegalForms hosts a no‑cost 15‑day eviction notice PDF that can be printed instantly.
• LawDepot provides a free builder for a 15‑day eviction notice, limited to one download per user.
• eForms features a free landlord‑tenant template set, including a 15‑day notice.
• LandlordZone publishes a printable 15‑day eviction notice that covers most jurisdictional variations.

All templates should be reviewed against local laws, since notice periods vary by state.

15‑day eviction notice works like a canvas; the landlord fills in the blanks that matter most. Insert the exact address, the tenant's full name, and the precise date rent became due. Replace generic language with the specific breach - late rent, lease violation, or non‑payment - so the notice reflects the real cause.

Adjust the document for local quirks: add the county name, reference the relevant state statute, and include a deadline that matches the jurisdiction's timeline. If a starting point helps, grab a basic form from the credit people eviction notice template and tailor it to your lease terms, payment schedule, and contact details. Ensure the final version reads clearly, signs correctly, and stays within the legal boundaries that vary by state.

15‑day eviction notice must reach the tenant in a legally recognized way, or the whole process stalls (as we covered above). Follow these steps to make service rock‑solid.

1. Choose an approved method - Certified mail with return receipt, professional process server, or hand‑delivery by a neutral third party satisfy most state rules; verify your jurisdiction's list before deciding.
2. Seal the package correctly - Place the notice in a sturdy envelope, label it 'Important - Legal Document,' and affix the correct postage.
3. Document the delivery - Record the date, time, and person receiving the notice; if using mail, keep the tracking number and receipt; for in‑person service, have the recipient sign a copy of the delivery log.
4. Retain proof of service - Store the tracking screenshot, signed acknowledgment, or server affidavit in a dedicated folder; this file becomes your safety net if the tenant disputes receipt.
5. Follow up promptly - Within 24 hours, send a brief email confirming the notice was sent and summarizing the next steps; keep the email thread together with the physical proof.

For state‑specific guidelines, see Nolo's guide on serving eviction notices.

Handle unpaid rent by moving fast, documenting every contact, and using the correct notice.

A 15‑day eviction notice works in many states for lease violations, but non‑payment often requires a shorter pay‑or‑quit notice; always verify the local period before sending.

• Review the lease to confirm the rent amount and due date.
• Draft a written demand that cites the overdue balance, includes a deadline that varies by state (commonly 3‑5 days), and states that failure to pay will lead to a 15‑day eviction notice.
• Serve the demand per the method outlined in the 'serve your notice the right way' section; keep a copy and a receipt.
• Log any tenant replies, promises, or partial payments in a dedicated file.
• If the tenant pays, update the record and cancel the eviction process.
• When the deadline passes without payment, prepare the state‑specific 15‑day eviction notice and file it with the court, as we covered in the 'what happens next after serving?' section.

Acting promptly, keeping airtight records, and matching the notice period to your jurisdiction prevent costly delays and keep the eviction timeline on track.

When a landlord wants to end a month‑to‑month tenancy, a 15‑day eviction notice applies only in states that expressly allow that short period; most jurisdictions require 30‑ to 60‑day notices instead.

Deliver the notice following the delivery method your state mandates - personal hand‑off, certified mail, posting on the premises, or, in certain areas, service by a sheriff. File a copy with the delivery date, method, and tenant's signature; that record forms the evidentiary core should a court case arise.

If the tenant stays beyond the notice period, the landlord may move forward with a formal eviction filing, as explained in the next section on post‑service steps. Because notice timelines differ widely, verify the specific statute or seek local counsel before issuing the 15‑day eviction notice.

• Omit required statutory language. A 15‑day eviction notice must name the exact breach and cite the state provision that permits a short notice; leaving out either element lets a tenant move to dismiss the case (see Nolo's eviction‑notice checklist). Since wording requirements differ by jurisdiction, consult your local code before finalizing.
• Use the wrong delivery method. Some states accept hand‑delivery only, while others allow certified‑mail or posting on the door; mixing methods or skipping proof of service can invalidate the notice entirely. Verify the acceptable method in your area to avoid a procedural defeat.
• Ignore local rent‑control or just‑cause rules. Cities with rent‑control ordinances often bar 15‑day notices for month‑to‑month tenants or require additional justification. Ignoring those rules gives tenants a solid defense and may expose the landlord to penalties.
• Miscalculate the notice period. Holidays, weekends, and court‑defined business days extend the effective start date; counting calendar days blindly can hand the tenant extra days to pay or vacate. Double‑check the local definition of 'day' to keep the timeline airtight.

After the landlord delivers the 15‑day eviction notice, the deadline begins and the next legal steps unfold.

• Tenant may pay overdue rent or remedy the breach before the 15‑day window ends; many states treat this as curing the notice (if allowed).
• If the tenant does not cure, the landlord files a complaint with the local court to start formal eviction proceedings; filing fees and paperwork vary by jurisdiction.
• Court assigns a hearing date, typically within 7‑14 days of filing, though some counties move faster.
• Both parties appear at the hearing; the judge decides whether to issue a writ of possession based on the notice and any tenant defenses.
• When granted, the writ gives the tenant a final move‑out deadline, often 48‑72 hours, after which the sheriff or constable may physically remove the tenant if they remain.
• Landlord collects any judgment for back rent, damages, or court costs, using a lien or wage‑garnishment where state law permits.

(If any step feels like a maze, remember the timeline changes from state to state - check local rules before proceeding.)

Landlords must honor tenant protections the moment a 15-day eviction notice goes out. State law usually shields tenants from eviction when a unit violates health or safety codes, when a landlord retaliates for complaints, or when discrimination based on protected classes is alleged. Ignoring those rights can invalidate the notice and trigger legal penalties.

Tenants often have a 'cure period' to fix lease violations, and proper service is required before any court action. If the landlord skips habitability repairs or skips the notice‑delivery steps, the process stalls (see Nolo's eviction basics guide). When a protection applies, consulting counsel early avoids costly delays.

A landlord should call a lawyer when any of these three scenarios surface.

Typical triggers include:

• Tenant files a written dispute or threatens court action against the 15‑day eviction notice (dispute risk varies by state).
• Potential retaliation, discrimination, or habitability claim arises, because many states impose heightened defenses in those cases.
• State statutes mandate additional filings, court appearances, or strict service rules that the landlord cannot satisfy without legal guidance.

Ignoring these red flags can turn a straightforward notice into a costly lawsuit, so securing counsel early saves time and money.