Notice to Enter Property
California 24-Hour Notice – Cal. Civ. Code § 1954
⚠️ CALIFORNIA LAW: Landlords must give at least 24 hours written notice before entering a tenant’s unit (except emergencies). Entry must be during normal business hours (8 AM – 5 PM) unless tenant agrees otherwise.
Property & Tenant Information
Entry Details
💡 Best Practice: Provide as much advance notice as possible (more than 24 hours when practical). Call or text tenant to confirm they received notice and verify timing works for them.
Landlord Information
California Notice to Enter Guide
⚠️ Legal Notice: This form is for informational purposes only. Improper entry can result in tenant lawsuits for invasion of privacy. Always follow California Civil Code § 1954 requirements.
California Entry Law (Cal. Civ. Code § 1954)
24-Hour Notice Required:
- Must give at least 24 hours written notice
- Notice must state date, approximate time, and purpose
- Entry must be during normal business hours (8 AM – 5 PM)
- Entry must be for lawful purpose
Lawful Reasons to Enter
California law allows entry ONLY for these reasons:
- Make necessary or agreed repairs: Fix broken items, maintenance
- Emergency: Fire, flood, gas leak (NO notice required)
- Show to prospective tenants: Only if tenant has given/received notice to vacate
- Show to buyers/lenders: If property is for sale
- Pre-move-out inspection: Final 2 weeks of tenancy only
- Court order: Judge orders entry
- Tenant abandonment: Appears tenant has abandoned unit
When 24-Hour Notice NOT Required
Emergencies:
- Fire, flood, gas leak, water leak
- Immediate threat to health/safety
- Can enter immediately without notice
Tenant Invitation:
- Tenant requested the entry
- Tenant gave permission to enter
Abandonment:
- Tenant appears to have moved out
- Rent unpaid, utilities off, belongings gone
Business Hours Requirement
Entry must be during “normal business hours” (8 AM – 5 PM) UNLESS:
- Tenant agrees to different hours
- It’s an emergency
- Tenant requested entry at specific time
How to Deliver Notice
Acceptable methods:
- Personal delivery to tenant
- Leave with someone at residence
- Post on door + mail copy (if can’t find tenant)
- Email (if lease allows electronic notices)
Best practice: Use multiple methods (text + written notice) to ensure tenant receives it.
What Landlords CANNOT Do
- ❌ Enter without proper notice (except emergency)
- ❌ Enter for harassment or retaliation
- ❌ Enter to “check on tenant” without valid reason
- ❌ Enter outside business hours without permission
- ❌ Enter more frequently than necessary
- ❌ Abuse right of entry to harass tenant
Tenant Rights
Tenants can:
- Request different entry time (landlord should accommodate if reasonable)
- Be present during entry (but cannot require it)
- Document improper entries
- Sue landlord for repeated violations
- Break lease for severe harassment
Tenants CANNOT:
- Unreasonably refuse entry after proper notice
- Change locks without landlord’s permission
- Block lawful entry
Penalties for Improper Entry
- Tenant can sue for invasion of privacy
- Damages for emotional distress
- Tenant may break lease
- Attorney fees if tenant wins
- Can be used as defense in eviction case
Special Situations
Showing to Prospective Tenants:
- Only allowed if tenant has given/received notice to vacate
- Cannot show unit while tenant still has valid lease
- Must still give 24-hour notice each time
- Must be during business hours unless tenant agrees
Repeated Showings:
- Must give notice each time
- Cannot abuse entry right to harass
- “Reasonable” frequency depends on circumstances
Best Practices
- ✅ Give more than 24 hours when possible
- ✅ Confirm tenant received notice
- ✅ Offer to reschedule if tenant has conflict
- ✅ Knock before entering even with notice
- ✅ Limit entry to stated purpose
- ✅ Don’t snoop or go through tenant belongings
- ✅ Keep visits brief and professional
- ✅ Document all entries (date, time, purpose)
⚠️ Disclaimer: This template is for informational purposes only. California law strictly regulates landlord entry. Improper entry can result in invasion of privacy lawsuits and tenant harassment claims. Always provide proper 24-hour notice and enter only for lawful purposes during business hours. Consult an attorney if you have questions about specific situations.
