California Statewide Rule

California Landlord Entry Law (Civ. Code § 1954)

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across California (2026)

Key Facts

Written notice: Required (24 hours presumed reasonable)
Permitted hours: Normal business hours
Mailed notice: Presumed reasonable if mailed 6 days ahead
No-notice entry: Emergency, consent, or abandonment only
Statute: Cal. Civ. Code § 1954

Last verified: September 5, 2026

Summary

California Civil Code § 1954 limits when a landlord may enter a rented home. Except in emergencies, abandonment, or with tenant consent, the landlord must give reasonable written notice (24 hours is presumed reasonable) and may enter only during normal business hours, for specific permitted reasons such as repairs, inspections, or showings.

Except as provided in subdivision (e), or as provided in paragraph (2) or (3), the landlord shall give the tenant reasonable notice in writing of his or her intent to enter and enter only during normal business hours. The notice shall include the date, approximate time, and purpose of the entry. The notice may be personally delivered to the tenant, left with someone of a suitable age and discretion at the premises, or, left on, near, or under the usual entry door of the premises in a manner in which a reasonable person would discover the notice. Twenty-four hours shall be presumed to be reasonable notice in absence of evidence to the contrary.

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Full Breakdown

Civil Code § 1954 lets a landlord enter only to address an emergency, make "necessary or agreed repairs, decorations, alterations or improvements," supply agreed services, show the unit to prospective tenants or buyers, conduct a move-out inspection, or under court order or after abandonment. Except for emergencies or consent at the time of entry, "the landlord shall give the tenant reasonable notice in writing of his or her intent to enter and enter only during normal business hours." Personally delivered or posted notice 24 hours before entry is presumed reasonable; mailed notice is presumed reasonable if sent at least six days prior. The notice must state "the date, approximate time, and purpose of the entry."

Violations & Penalties

A landlord who enters without proper notice or for an improper purpose may be liable for invasion of privacy, trespass, or breach of quiet enjoyment. Repeated entries used to harass a tenant can support damages and statutory penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much notice must a California landlord give before entering?

Reasonable written notice is required, and Civil Code § 1954 presumes 24 hours to be reasonable when the notice is personally delivered or posted. Mailed notice must be sent at least six days before the intended entry.

Can a landlord enter without notice in California?

Only in an emergency, when the tenant consents at the time of entry, or when the tenant has abandoned or surrendered the unit. Otherwise written notice and entry during normal business hours are required.

What reasons allow a landlord to enter in California?

To make necessary or agreed repairs and improvements, supply agreed services, show the unit to prospective tenants or buyers, do a pre-move-out inspection, respond to an emergency, or act under a court order.

Sources

Cal. Civ. Code § 1954 (Landlord right of entry)

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