Notice to Quit Definition

A legal termination notice that a landlord gives a tenant. The notice tells the tenant that they must leave (quit) the premises. Some notices to quit give the tenant the option to remedy (cure) a problem, such as to pay overdue rent or correct some other lease violation, such as bringing in an unauthorized pet or roommate. If the tenant doesn't remedy the problem, they must quit the premises within a short time (such as three days). State laws specify details of these notices, such as how and when they may be used, the amount of time the tenant has to leave (and whether the tenant has the chance to correct or cure the violation), the delivery and timing of the notice, and what steps a landlord must take before filing an unlawful detainer or eviction lawsuit.