Lease dictionary
Notice to quit
The formal written warning that starts the path to eviction - pay, fix, or leave by a deadline.
A notice to quit (or 'cure or quit' / 'pay or quit') is the landlord's formal first step before filing an eviction: it names the problem and a deadline to pay, fix it, or move out. State law sets the minimum days.
It is not an eviction - only a court can order that. But it's the document that starts the clock, so respond in writing and fast.
Watch out
Deadlines are short (3–14 days in many states). If you get one, contact a local tenant-rights organization immediately - many problems are fixable inside the window.
See it in action
The Tenant rights by state puts this term to work for you.