Landlord’s 24-Hour Notice to Enter in California: Rules and Rights

Rahman Popal

June 22, 2026

It is 10:47 PM. Your shoes are off, the lights are low, and your mind is finally quiet. Then you hear a knock, and before you can move, the lock turns. It’s your landlord. No call, no message, no warning.

One question hits hard: Can they even do that?

In California, a landlord must usually give tenants at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering a rental unit, or 6 days if the notice is mailed. The notice must state the date, approximate time, and purpose of the entry, and entry must happen during normal business hours. A landlord may enter without notice only in limited cases, such as an emergency, when the tenant agrees at the time of entry, or when the tenant has moved out.

This guide explains how the 24-hour notice to enter works, what a proper notice must include, when a landlord can skip it, and whether you can refuse entry.

When Can a Landlord Enter a Rental Property in California?

The law doesn’t ban landlords from entering, but California Civil Code §1954 limits entry to specific reasons:

An emergency, like a fire, flood, or gas leak
Necessary or agreed repairs, alterations, or services
Showing the unit to prospective buyers, lenders, tenants, or contractors
A pre-move-out inspection you requested before leaving
When a court order allows it
When the tenant has abandoned or surrendered the unit

Even with a valid reason, the landlord must still follow the notice and timing rules below. For what to do when a landlord walks in anyway, see our guide on whether landlords can enter without permission.

How Much Notice Does a Landlord Have to Give in California?

Under Civil Code §1954, the notice must be in writing and given a reasonable time before entry:

24 hours is presumed reasonable when the notice is handed to you, left with someone of suitable age at your home, or left on or under your door.
6 days is presumed reasonable when the notice is sent by mail.
Normal business hours: entry must take place during normal business hours, unless there’s an emergency or you agree to another time when the entry happens.

A quick text or a verbal “I’ll stop by tomorrow” generally isn’t enough on its own.

What Must a Landlord’s Notice to Enter Include?

A proper notice to enter a rental property should state:

The date of entry
The approximate time of entry
The purpose of the entry

Example of a proper notice: “Notice of Intent to Enter: The landlord will enter Unit 4B on Tuesday, March 10, between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. to repair the bathroom faucet.”

Keep every notice you receive. If entries become frequent or the purpose looks like an excuse, these notices become important evidence.

When Can a Landlord Enter Without Notice?

There are only a few exceptions to the written notice rule:

Emergencies that threaten life or property.
Tenant consent at the time of entry, for example, when you agree to let the landlord in when they arrive.
Agreed repairs: if you and your landlord verbally agree to a repair visit, the landlord may enter within one week of that agreement without separate written notice.
Abandonment of the unit by the tenant.

There is also a special rule for sales: if your landlord told you in writing within the past 120 days that the property is for sale, they may give oral notice at least 24 hours before showing it to a buyer, and must leave written evidence of the entry inside the unit.

Can a Tenant Refuse Entry to a Landlord in California?

It depends on whether the landlord followed the rules:

No proper notice: outside of an emergency, you can generally refuse entry until the landlord gives proper written notice.
Proper notice and a valid reason: you generally can’t unreasonably refuse, and repeated refusals could be treated as a lease violation. You can, however, ask in writing to reschedule to a more convenient time.

Stay calm, communicate in writing, and keep copies. Arguments at the door rarely help your case.

When Repeated Entry Becomes Harassment

Section 1954 also says a landlord may not abuse the right of entry or use it to harass a tenant. Frequent visits, constant “inspections,” or repairs used as an excuse can cross that line.

Under Civil Code §1940.2, a significant and intentional violation of the entry rules, done to pressure a tenant to move out, can lead to a penalty of up to $2,000 per violation. Learn more about tenant harassment laws in California.

Warning signs include:

Frequent visits with little or no notice
“Repairs” that never actually get done
Entries timed to disrupt your work or family life
Being singled out while other tenants aren’t visited

What to Do After an Unauthorized Entry

Write down the details: date, time, who entered, and what happened.
Save evidence: texts, emails, photos, and any notices. Here’s how to document landlord violations.
Send a written objection reminding your landlord of the 24-hour notice rule.
Report it to your local rent board or housing department if your city has one.
Talk to a tenant lawyer if entries continue or feel like pressure to move out. See our landlord harassment and constructive eviction practice.

Key Takeaways

California landlords generally must give 24 hours’ written notice before entering, or 6 days if mailed.
The notice must state the date, approximate time, and purpose, and entry must be during normal business hours.
Exceptions include emergencies, tenant consent at the time of entry, agreed repairs within a week, and abandonment.
With proper notice and a valid reason, tenants generally can’t unreasonably refuse entry but can ask to reschedule.
Repeated or abusive entries can be harassment, with penalties of up to $2,000 per violation.

FAQs

1. Does a California landlord have to give 24 hours’ notice to enter?

Yes, in most situations. Twenty-four hours’ written notice is presumed reasonable, or 6 days if the notice is mailed. Exceptions include emergencies and a few other limited situations.

2. What must a landlord’s notice to enter include?

The date, approximate time, and purpose of the entry. It must be in writing.

3. Can a landlord give verbal notice to enter?

Generally no. Written notice is required, with limited exceptions such as agreed repairs within one week or showing a unit that’s been listed for sale.

4. What time can a landlord enter?

During normal business hours, unless there’s an emergency or the tenant agrees to a different time when the entry happens.

5. Can a tenant refuse entry to a landlord in California?

Without proper notice, a tenant can generally refuse entry except in an emergency. With proper notice and a valid reason, a tenant generally can’t unreasonably refuse but can ask to reschedule.

6. Can a landlord enter without notice in an emergency?

Yes. True emergencies, like a fire, flood, or gas leak, allow entry without advance notice.

7. How often can a landlord enter my apartment?

There’s no set number, but a landlord may not abuse the right of entry or use it to harass a tenant. Frequent, unnecessary entries can be illegal.

8. What can I do if my landlord enters without notice?

Document the entry, object in writing, report it to your local rent board or housing department, and talk to a tenant lawyer if it continues.

9. What is the penalty for a landlord entering without notice?

A significant and intentional violation of the entry rules aimed at pushing a tenant out can lead to a penalty of up to $2,000 per violation under Civil Code §1940.2, plus possible damages.

10. Does the 24-hour notice rule apply to all rentals?

It applies to most residential rentals in California. Some situations, like a lodger renting a room in the owner’s own home, may be treated differently.