Nonpayment cases escalate quickly, and many landlords freeze or delay because they want to give the tenant a chance. Unfortunately, delays lead to more unpaid rent and weaker legal positions. Acting promptly and professionally helps keep the situation under control and preserves your rights.

Days 1–3: Confirming the Nonpayment

Before taking formal action, verify that the rent is indeed late. Check your ledger and ensure you’re not overlooking a pending online payment or a grace period. Confirm the owed amount aligns with the lease. If rent control applies, check local requirements for late notices.

Days 4–5: Communicating with the Tenant

Reach out to the tenant with a neutral, professional message. Sometimes the issue is a temporary oversight or misunderstanding. State the balance clearly and ask when payment will be made. Document everything. Avoid making payment arrangements that contradict the lease unless you are comfortable with the legal implications.

Days 6–7: Serving the 3-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit

If payment is still not received, serve the notice. This is where precision becomes critical. The notice must be 100% accurate, from the amount owed to the service method used. If the tenant pays in full, you must accept it. If not, the notice period ends quickly, and the next phase begins.

Days 8–14: Preparing for Legal Action

Once the notice expires, begin preparing your Unlawful Detainer filing. Gather all forms, documents, and evidence: the lease, ledger, notice, proof of service, and any communication records. Organizing early helps prevent filing errors that slow down the case.