Landlord Entry Rules in California

California rules on landlord entry for renters and landlords, with the statute or official page behind each answer. Last verified: 2026-10-22.

Short answer: Reasonable written notice, presumed to be 24 hours, or 6 days if mailed. The notice states the date, approximate time, and purpose. Cal. Civ. Code § 1954

The rules in California

Landlord entry notice	Reasonable written notice, presumed to be 24 hours, or 6 days if mailed. The notice states the date, approximate time, and purpose. Entry must be during normal business hours, and only for emergencies, repairs or services, showing the unit, inspections, court orders, or after abandonment. No notice is needed in an emergency, when the tenant is present and consents, or after abandonment. Oral notice of 24 hours is allowed for showing to buyers if the tenant was told in writing within the last 120 days that the property is for sale. A significant, intentional § 1954 violation meant to make the tenant leave can bring a civil penalty of up to $2,000 per violation (§ 1940.2). Source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1954

Landlord entry notice

Reasonable written notice, presumed to be 24 hours, or 6 days if mailed. The notice states the date, approximate time, and purpose. Entry must be during normal business hours, and only for emergencies, repairs or services, showing the unit, inspections, court orders, or after abandonment. No notice is needed in an emergency, when the tenant is present and consents, or after abandonment.

Oral notice of 24 hours is allowed for showing to buyers if the tenant was told in writing within the last 120 days that the property is for sale. A significant, intentional § 1954 violation meant to make the tenant leave can bring a civil penalty of up to $2,000 per violation (§ 1940.2).

Source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1954

California vs. neighboring states

Landlord Entry: California vs. neighboring states
State	Landlord entry notice
California	Reasonable written notice, presumed to be 24 hours, or 6 days if mailed. The notice states the date, approximate time, and purpose. Entry must be during normal business hours, and only for emergencies, repairs or services, showing the unit, inspections, court orders, or after abandonment. No notice is needed in an emergency, when the tenant is present and consents, or after abandonment. Cal. Civ. Code § 1954
Arizona	At least two days' notice, and entry only at reasonable times, except in an emergency or where notice is impracticable. A tenant's service or maintenance request counts as permission to enter to address that request without separate notice. A.R.S. § 33-1343
Nevada	Except in an emergency, at least 24 hours' notice of intent to enter; entry only at reasonable times during normal business hours unless the tenant agrees otherwise. NRS 118A.330(3)
Oregon	At least 24 hours' actual notice, entry at reasonable times; tenant may not unreasonably withhold consent. Emergency entry allowed without notice, but if tenant absent the landlord must give actual notice within 24 hours after entry. ORS 90.322

City rules that may add to state law

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