notice to quit

Definition

A formal eviction warning telling tenants to pay up, shape up, or get out. The landlord-tenant relationship's breakup letter, now with legal consequences.

Example Usage

After three months of excuses, the landlord finally served a notice to quit, initiating the lengthy process of legally removing someone from property you own.

Origin

Legal term from English common law meaning to terminate a tenancy agreement

Fun Fact

Despite the urgent-sounding name, a notice to quit is just the first step in eviction, which can take months in tenant-friendly jurisdictions.

Source: Landlord-tenant law terminology

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