Notice of Lease Violation / Cure-or-Quit Notice

Notice of Lease Violation / Cure-or-Quit Notice: a practical guide

A Notice of Lease Violation / Cure-or-Quit Notice is a written message from a landlord to a tenant that identifies an alleged breach of the lease. It explains what the tenant is being asked to do to address it, or that the tenant may need to leave if the issue is not resolved.

What it's for

A landlord may use this notice when they believe a tenant has not followed a lease term, such as a rule about the property or the tenant’s conduct. The notice should describe the concern clearly enough for the tenant to understand what happened and what response is being requested. The tenant can use it to understand the landlord’s position and decide what steps to take or what information to provide.

The parties should check the rules where the property is located before relying on a notice, especially for required wording, delivery methods, response periods, or steps that must come before asking a tenant to leave. If the concern is only unpaid rent, a notice specifically about rent may fit better. A notice to vacate or a notice of non-renewal may fit a different situation, such as ending a tenancy rather than asking the tenant to correct a particular issue.

Who uses it

• A landlord who believes a tenant has broken a lease term and wants to explain how to address the issue.
• A property manager helping a landlord communicate a concern to a tenant.
• A tenant who has received a notice and needs to identify the claim, requested action, and response date.
• A landlord and tenant who want a written record of the concern and any steps they discuss to resolve it.

Terms to decide on

People and property

Identify the landlord and each tenant using names that match the lease, and identify the rental property clearly. Check unit, building, or address details so the notice cannot be confused with another tenancy.

Lease term and alleged violation

Describe the lease term involved and the conduct or condition the landlord says violates it. State relevant dates and observable facts, and distinguish what the sender knows from what they believe or have been told.

Requested cure

Say exactly what action the tenant is being asked to take, such as stopping a particular activity or correcting a described condition. If more than one step is needed, list each one clearly and state how the tenant can show it has been done.

Response period and date

State the date by which the tenant is asked to act, after checking what timing and delivery rules apply locally. Make clear how the date is calculated if the rules or circumstances require that explanation.

Consequences and options

Explain what the landlord says may happen if the issue is not resolved, including whether the tenant is being asked to leave. Avoid wording that suggests the notice itself removes the tenant or settles a dispute.

Money requested, if any

If the notice includes a sum, explain what it is for and how it was calculated. Do not add a charge simply because it appears in the lease or notice; check whether it can be requested in this situation.

Delivery record

Keep a copy of the notice and record when, how, and to whom it was delivered. Check local requirements for delivery and for any witness, signature, or service record.

Using the form

If the form has no suitable place for the rental property details, requested cure, or response date, write them clearly in “Additional Terms & Provisions.”

Common mistakes

• Using vague claims such as “you violated the lease” without stating the conduct, location, or relevant dates. A tenant needs enough detail to understand and respond to the allegation.
• Demanding an action that does not address the stated problem, or describing several problems as one unclear demand. Match each requested step to a specific alleged violation.
• Choosing a response date without checking how local rules count days or require delivery. A date that looks clear may still create confusion if the notice arrives later than expected.
• Adding fees, repair costs, or other sums without explaining their basis. Separate a money request from the non-monetary steps the tenant is being asked to take.
• Treating the notice as proof that a violation occurred or as permission to lock out a tenant, remove belongings, or cut off services. Keep the notice factual and follow the required process for any next step.
• Sending the notice to the wrong person or address, or keeping no delivery record. Confirm who is named on the lease and preserve a dated copy and delivery details.

Before you sign

• Compare the names and property address with the lease and current tenancy records.
• Check the lease term you rely on and describe the alleged conduct accurately.
• Make each requested action clear, specific, and connected to the stated concern.
• Confirm the response period, required wording, and delivery method for the property’s location.
• Review any money request and explain its amount and purpose.
• Remove statements you cannot support and keep the notice respectful and factual.
• Save a copy and plan how to record delivery.