Common methods
- Personal delivery — handing the notice to the tenant. This is the strongest proof.
- Substitute service — leaving it with an adult who lives at the home, often followed by mailing a copy.
- Posting and mailing — attaching it to the door and mailing a copy, usually allowed only if personal delivery was tried first.
- Mail — certified, registered or first-class mail, where allowed. Mailing sometimes adds days to the notice period.
Who can serve
In most states the landlord, the property manager or any adult can serve a pre-filing notice. Court papers (the summons and complaint) are different: they are usually served by a sheriff, constable, marshal or licensed process server.
Proof of service
Write down immediately: the date and time, the address, the method, the name or description of the person who received it, and who served it. Sign the proof of service; many courts require it to be signed under penalty of perjury. Take a photo of a posted notice and keep mailing receipts. File the proof with your complaint.