A legal eviction notice can also be referred to as an eviction letter or a notice to quit. It is the first step in the eviction process, and is required before court action can be taken. A landlord must present a tenant with a legal eviction notice either in person or by certified or registered mail. The notice should state the reason for the eviction and should also state the number of days the tenant has to either leave the property or correct the violation that led to the eviction notice. Eviction notices can be served for nonpayment or rent or other lease violations. Eviction notices may also be served to terminate residency in a month to month rental agreement, or a rental arrangement where no lease or rental agreement has been signed. Depending on local laws as well as the reason for the notice, a legal eviction notice will generally be a three day, five day, or thirty day notice.