Landlord Entry Laws in California

How much notice does a landlord have to give in California?

Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1954, landlords in California must give at least 24 hours' advance notice before entering your rental unit for non-emergency purposes. The statute specifically requires this notice to be in writing — oral notice alone does not satisfy the requirement.

Even with proper notice, entry is restricted to reasonable hours.

What is your landlord allowed to enter for in California?

Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1954, permitted entry reasons in California include:

• Repairs and maintenance
• Inspections
• Showing to prospective tenants
• Showing to prospective buyers
• Agreed-upon services
• Emergencies
• Court order
• Apparent abandonment

What counts as an emergency in California?

No notice required for: true emergencies threatening health/safety or the premises; abandonment or surrender; tenant consent at time of entry; or court order. Emergency requires that giving notice be impractical.

What are your remedies if your landlord enters without notice in California?

If your landlord violates entry rules in California, your remedies under Cal. Civ. Code § 1954 may include:

• Court order stopping future violations (injunction)
• Right to terminate the lease
• Actual damages
• Statutory damages (fixed by statute)
• Attorney's fees and court costs

In practice, start by documenting the unauthorized entry (photos, texts, a written log), then send a written objection citing the statute. If violations continue, consult a local tenant-rights attorney or your state's housing court.

Important California-specific notes

One of the strictest notice states. 24 hours written notice is presumed reasonable for most non-emergency entries. Notice must state date, approximate time, and purpose. Must be delivered in person, left with someone of suitable age at premises, or left on/near/under the usual entry door where a reasonable person would find it. Mailed notice is presumed reasonable if sent at least 6 days before entry. Entry must be during normal business hours unless tenant consents otherwise. For buyer showings, oral/phone notice allowed ONLY if landlord gave written 120-day notice that the property is for sale; landlord must leave written evidence of entry inside the unit. Tenant and landlord may orally agree to entry for agreed repairs/services within one week. Rights under § 1954 cannot be waived in the lease.