Use it after a rent check bounces: for up to 3 months, rent must come by cashier’s check, money order or cash.
Your tenant paid rent with a check and the bank sent it back: not enough money, or the tenant told the bank to stop it. California then lets the housing provider say: “for a short while, pay me in a way that can’t bounce.” That means a cashier’s check, a money order, or cash. Think of a friend who once gave you an IOU that turned out empty. For the next few times you ask for real cash, not another IOU. But only for a few times: the law stops it at 3 months.
Write the tenant’s name and the full address, unit number included. The notice also covers anyone else living there.
Spell names the way they appear on the lease. A sloppy name gives the tenant an easy argument.
This line states the reason: the last rent payment was dishonored, for insufficient funds or a stop payment. It also says a copy of that check is attached.
No copy of the check stapled on, no valid demand. The law requires it.
Check this when the lease says a bounced check means paying by cashier’s check, money order or cash. You pick the method (cashier’s check is the default; money order and cash are extra boxes) and how many months: one, two or three, starting on a date you fill in.
C.A.R. leases (RLMM) usually have this clause. Check your lease before choosing 2A or 2B.
If the lease has no bounced-check clause, this notice changes the terms of the tenancy. Then the new payment rule starts 30 days after you serve it, for one, two or three months.
This is where people lose a month. The 30 days eat into the 3-month cap.
Repeats the timing for 2B: the first rent period that must be paid this way is the one that begins at least 30 days after the notice date.
Rent amount, due date and every other lease term stay as they were. Only the payment method changes, and only for a while.
The owner or agent signs and dates it and gives an address, email and phone so the tenant knows where to pay.
If you demand cash, say where and when you accept it. A tenant who can’t find you to pay is not a tenant who refused to pay.
Only needed when 2B is checked (the form’s text says “1B”, it means 2B). Serve it in this order: hand it to the tenant; if they’re not there, leave it with a suitable adult and mail a copy; only if that fails, post it on the door and mail a copy. Email does not count. The server signs under penalty of perjury.
Keep a copy and the mailing receipt. If this ends up in court, that paper is your proof.
Many people get this wrong: “One bounced check and the tenant pays cash forever.” No. Three months, then you take checks again. I’ve seen landlords keep the cash rule going for a year, and it hurt them when the tenant got a lawyer.
Also wrong: “Charge a $35 fee every time they pay by check.” Since 2025 you can’t charge a fee for paying rent by check at all. A real bounced-check cost is a different question; ask before you add it.
45-second explainer, vertical video.
Ken will reply and help you check your situation. No spam.
408-666-2825