A landlord can use a 30 Day Notice to end a month-to-month tenancy if the tenant has been renting for less than a year. A landlord is required to use a 60 Day Notice in California if the tenant has been renting for a year or more and the landlord wants the tenant to move out. The letter is exactly the same form with the only difference being the amount of time required by law before a tenant is required to be out based upon how long they have been a tenant. It is not until the expiration of the 30 or 60 days after the letter has been served that an Unlawful Detainer Lawsuit may be filed against the tenant in court to get a judgment that can be legally enforced by a sheriff. Landlords are prohibited by law from any "Self-help" do it yourself evictions without a court judgment and a peace officer doing the final tenant lockout. Legally serving this letter is often the first step initiating the removal of the tenant under the California Eviction Process.