Non Paying Tenant in CA

[Brandon Pearsons]

Hello, 

I have a a tenant that has been getting worse and worse about paying the rent. They have paid mid moth the last 2-3 months. I texted him yesterday and he did not respond. 

I checked my rental account today and it looks like he put in $700 of the Month $965 rent for the month of Jan. 

I want to remain on good terms with the tenant and not blow my cool because I dont want them to cause more interior costs... 

I also know I should probably file a 3 day pay or quit notice... What is the proper way to do this? 

I believe he has a puppy in there as well.. He has not paid a pet deposit and in the lease I wrote no pets allowed unless a pet and deposit is agreed upon

Thanks