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Legitimate reasons for entry
Landlords generally may enter to:
- Make repairs or perform maintenance
- Inspect the unit (including required program inspections)
- Show the unit to prospective tenants, buyers, lenders, or contractors
- Respond to an emergency
- Check on abandonment (in some states)
- Comply with a court order
Notice and timing
- Notice: often 24 hours; some states require 48 hours or two days; others require “reasonable” notice. Notice is usually written.
- Time: reasonable hours (commonly business hours on weekdays), unless you agree otherwise.
- Frequency: repeated or excessive entry can be harassment.
- Emergencies: fire, flooding, gas leaks, or other immediate dangers allow entry without notice.
Subsidized housing
- Voucher holders must allow housing agency inspections with notice; refusing can be a program violation.
- Public housing leases require reasonable advance notice for non-emergency entry (HUD rules generally require at least 48 hours’ written notice for routine inspections and maintenance).
- HUD multifamily properties follow their lease and HUD requirements for notice.
Cameras, surveillance, and harassment
Landlords may use security cameras in common areas but generally not in private spaces inside your unit. Harassment—repeated unannounced visits, threats, or entering to intimidate—can violate your right to quiet enjoyment, state anti-harassment laws, and in some cases fair housing law (for example, sexual harassment).
What to do about illegal entry
- Keep a log of each entry: date, time, who, and what happened.
- Send a written objection citing the notice requirement and asking for proper notice.
- Contact legal aid or a tenant union if it continues.
- Consider remedies: some states allow damages or lease termination for repeated illegal entry.
- Call police if someone enters in a threatening way.
Examples of state notice rules
Notice rules vary widely. A few examples:
| State | General notice rule for non-emergency entry |
|---|---|
| California | Reasonable written notice; 24 hours is generally presumed reasonable, or 6 days when mailed. Entry normally occurs during business hours. Exceptions include emergencies and certain agreed visits. |
| Washington | Generally at least 2 days’ written notice, reasonable times; at least 1 day’s notice for showings. Emergency and impracticability exceptions apply. |
| Florida | Reasonable notice, at least 24 hours for repairs, between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. |
Read the governing provisions: California Civil Code 1954, Washington RCW 59.18.150, and Florida Statutes 83.53. These examples summarize ordinary residential rentals; exceptions and local protections can change the result.
Showings when you’re moving out
Landlords often have the right to show the unit to prospective tenants or buyers near the end of your lease, with notice. You can ask to:
- Limit showings to certain days or times
- Be present or have someone present
- Receive a schedule in advance
- Secure valuables and pets
Repairs vs. harassment
Legitimate repair visits are necessary—refusing reasonable access can hurt you in a dispute. But repeated unnecessary entries, entering to intimidate, or entering without notice to “check on” you can be harassment. Some cities have specific tenant anti-harassment ordinances with penalties.
A sample letter objecting to entry
On [dates], you or your staff entered my unit without advance notice and without an emergency. [State law] requires [notice period] before non-emergency entry. Please provide written notice before any future entry, stating the date, time, and purpose. I will cooperate with reasonable requests for access for repairs.
Keep a copy and a log of any further entries.
Frequently asked questions
How much notice must my landlord give?
It depends on your state. Many require 24 hours (for example, California generally presumes 24 hours’ written notice reasonable, with exceptions), some require 48 hours or two days, and some just require “reasonable” notice. Your lease may give more, but usually can’t give less than state law.
Can my landlord enter when I’m not home?
Generally yes, with proper notice for a legitimate purpose, unless state law or your lease says otherwise. You can ask to be present or reschedule for a reasonable reason.
Can I change the locks?
Many leases prohibit it without permission, and some states require you to give the landlord a key. Survivors of domestic violence have special lock-change rights in many states.
Sources and verification
Use these sources to check program rules. Funding, openings, and local procedures must be confirmed with the agency handling your application.
Update note (2026-10-01): Checked California, Washington, and Florida entry statutes; clarified presumptions and exceptions and removed unsupported state summaries.
- Tenant rightsUSAGov
- Find legal aidLegal Services Corporation
Found a changed rule or a broken link? Report a correction for this guide.