California and San Francisco · Workspace
Respond to unpaid rent in San Francisco without skipping steps
The balance first, in writing, then the records, the conversation, and only then the official route. California's three-day notice is unforgiving: rent only, the right amount, the right service, and the days are court days. Nonpayment is a just cause under the Ordinance and the state Act alike, but a notice for the wrong amount is a defence. Nothing here escalates automatically.
Preparation only. Nothing is saved to an account.
Stage 1 of 4
Reconcile the balance
Base rent due minus received minus agreed credits; disputed amounts separate. This is a working reconciliation, not a verified notice amount. A pay-or-quit notice cannot include late fees, utilities or passthroughs; notice eligibility and service need separate review.
| Period | Base rent due | Received | Credits | Disputed | Balance | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $0.00 | ||||||
| $650.00 | ||||||
| $3,200.00 | ||||||
| Total | $9,600.00 | $5,600.00 | $150.00 | $0.00 | $3,850.00 |
Balance excludes disputed amounts, late fees and passthroughs. A 3-day notice may demand rent only, and only rent due within the last 12 months (CCP §1161(2) — verify). Do not automatically apply the security deposit to arrears during the tenancy. SAMPLE periods are illustrative; review when each amount became due.