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Cure Or Quit
A 'cure or quit' notice is a legal warning telling you that you must fix a specific problem (like unpaid rent) or move out within a certain time period.
What it actually is
It is a written notice sent by a landlord to a tenant before starting an eviction lawsuit. The notice gives the tenant a limited opportunity to correct the alleged breach of the lease—such as paying overdue rent or stopping an unauthorized pet—and, if the tenant does so, the tenancy continues. If the tenant fails to cure, the landlord can then file a court action to evict.
Why it matters in your case
If you receive such a notice, you must act quickly within the time allowed by your state or court to avoid the landlord going to court to remove you. Failing to cure within the notice period means the landlord can use that notice as the basis for an eviction lawsuit, which can lead to a formal judgment against you.
The common misunderstanding
Many people think 'cure or quit' gives them only the option to move out, but the 'cure' part actually gives you a chance to stay by fixing the problem. Another common mistake is assuming the notice is the same as the eviction lawsuit itself—it is only a prerequisite step, not the actual court case.
Get the actual rule
Definitions are orientation; rules are authority
This page explains the concept. When it matters to your case, read the rule that governs it in your court — we hold Texas, federal and Washington court rules word for word, and every state's official resources are on the state pages. If someone cites a case at you, check that it exists first.
Related
Terms that travel with this one
General explanation, not legal advice, and not specific to any state — procedures and deadlines vary by jurisdiction and court. If you can get a lawyer or free legal aid, do: every real option.