Can a Landlord Enter Without Notice in California?

A landlord showing up unannounced is one of the most searched landlord-tenant questions in California, and the law here is clearer than most people expect. Civil Code section 1954 lists the only situations in which a landlord may enter an occupied rental unit, and it sets notice and timing rules for each. This article is general legal information, not legal advice.

When can a landlord legally enter a rental unit?

A landlord may enter to make necessary or agreed repairs, to show the unit to prospective buyers, lenders, tenants, or contractors, to conduct a move-out inspection the tenant requested under Civil Code section 1950.5, pursuant to a court order, or when the unit has been abandoned. Outside of emergencies and tenant-invited visits, entry must occur during normal business hours.

How much notice does a landlord have to give?

The landlord must give reasonable written notice, and 24 hours is presumed reasonable. The notice should state the date, approximate time, and purpose of the entry. For showings connected to a sale of the property, oral notice 24 hours ahead can be sufficient for 120 days after the landlord gives written notice that the unit is for sale. Notice is not required when the tenant consents at the time of entry or in a true emergency such as a burst pipe or fire.

Can I refuse entry to my landlord?

If the landlord has followed section 1954, refusing entry can put a tenant in breach of the lease. But a tenant may refuse entries that fall outside the statute: no written notice, entry outside business hours without consent, or a purpose not listed in the law. A landlord has no general right to inspect whenever they feel like it, and repeated demands to enter without a lawful purpose cross the line.

What if my landlord keeps entering without permission?

Civil Code section 1940.2 makes it unlawful to use entry rights to harass a tenant, with penalties of up to $2,000 per violation. Repeated abusive entries can also support claims for breach of the covenant of quiet enjoyment and, in the City of Los Angeles, violations of the Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance. Document every incident with dates, photos, and messages. If unlawful entries are part of a pressure campaign to push you out, speak with a landlord-tenant attorney promptly. Baghikian Law offers free, confidential consultations across Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley.