Can a landlord enter without notice or permission?
Short answer: Usually only in an emergency. Many states require advance notice — often 24 to 48 hours — and a legitimate reason such as repairs, inspections or showing the unit, at a reasonable time.
Where a state has no entry statute, the lease and the tenant's right to quiet enjoyment control. Repeated entries, entries at unreasonable hours, or entries meant to pressure a tenant to leave can be unlawful even where no notice period is written into law.
What to do if your landlord keeps entering
- Write down dates, times and what happened.
- Send the landlord a written request to give the notice your state requires (see the table).
- If it continues, contact local legal aid or your state's tenant resources (linked on each state page).
The rule in every state
Each answer below links to the statute or official page it comes from (51 of 51 jurisdictions verified).
| State | Landlord entry notice |
|---|---|
| Alabama | The landlord must give at least two days' notice and may enter only at reasonable times. Posting a note on the tenant's primary entry door that states the time and purpose counts as notice. Entry without consent is allowed in an emergency, under a court order, or when the landlord reasonably believes the tenant has abandoned the unit. A tenant who requests repairs is deemed to consent to entry to make them. Ala. Code § 35-9A-303 |
| Alaska | 24 hours' notice, at reasonable times, and only to make repairs, supply services, inspect, show the unit, or remove the landlord's property. Entry without notice is allowed in an emergency, when 24 hours' notice is not reasonably possible, or when the tenant has been gone more than 7 days without notice. If the landlord abuses access, the tenant may get an injunction and recover actual damages or one month's rent, whichever is greater, or terminate on 10 days' notice. AS 34.03.140; AS 34.03.300 |
| 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 |
| Arkansas | No statute — Arkansas sets no advance-notice requirement for landlord entry. The tenant may not unreasonably withhold consent for the landlord to enter to inspect, make necessary or agreed repairs, decorations, alterations, or improvements, supply services, investigate possible rule or lease violations or criminal activity, or show the unit to prospective or actual buyers, lenders, tenants, workers, or contractors. The tenant may not change the locks without the landlord's permission. If the tenant refuses lawful access, the landlord may seek an injunction in district court (no bond) or terminate the lease, and recover actual damages and reasonable attorney's fees. Ark. Code Ann. §§ 18-17-602, 18-17-705 |
| 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 |
| Colorado | No general statute on landlord entry or advance notice. For habitability repairs, the landlord must give at least 24 hours' written notice of entry, stating the date, time, and expected duration, unless the condition imminently threatens life, health, or safety or threatens substantial property damage. C.R.S. § 38-12-503(6) |
| Connecticut | Reasonable written or oral notice and entry only at reasonable times, except in an emergency. No fixed number of hours in the statute. Without consent, entry only in an emergency, under § 47a-16a (extended absence), by court order, or after abandonment. Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 47a-16, 47a-18a |
| Delaware | At least 48 hours' notice, entry only between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., except for tenant-requested repairs. Emergency entry allowed at any time. Tenant may waive the 48-hour notice only for showings to prospective tenants or buyers, in a signed addendum. 25 Del. C. § 5509 |
| District of Columbia | Written notice at least 48 hours in advance (unless the tenant agrees in writing to less), entry only 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and not on Sundays or federal holidays (unless the tenant agrees), and only for a listed reasonable purpose. No notice needed in an emergency. Email/text notice counts only if the tenant acknowledges it in writing; otherwise paper notice is also required. D.C. Code § 42-3505.51 |
| Florida | For repairs, at least 24 hours' notice and entry between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. No notice needed in an emergency, if the tenant unreasonably withholds consent, or if the tenant is absent for half the rental period. Landlord may not abuse access to harass the tenant. Fla. Stat. § 83.53 |
| Georgia | No statute. Entry is governed by the lease; if the lease gives no right of entry, the tenant may refuse except in an emergency. Georgia Landlord-Tenant Handbook (DCA, rev. 8-29-24), p. 12 |
| Hawaii | At least 2 days' notice and entry only at reasonable hours, except in an emergency or where impracticable. No other right of entry except by court order or apparent abandonment. HRS § 521-53 |
| Idaho | No statute. Entry rights are governed by the lease; the AG advises that absent a lease clause the landlord should explain why entry is needed and agree with the tenant on a reasonable time and manner. Idaho AG Landlord and Tenant Manual (July 2026), 'The Tenant's Right to Privacy' |
| Illinois | No statute (statewide). Entry is governed by the lease and local ordinances. 765 ILCS 705 (Landlord and Tenant Act — no entry provision) |
| Indiana | Landlord must give reasonable written or oral notice and enter only at reasonable times, and may not abuse entry to harass. No notice needed in an emergency threatening safety of occupants or property; entry without consent allowed under court order or if the unit is abandoned/surrendered. Tenant may not unreasonably refuse entry to inspect, repair, supply services, or show the unit. IC 32-31-5-6(e)-(g) |
| Iowa | At least 24 hours' notice and entry only at reasonable times, except in an emergency or where impracticable. Landlord may enter without consent in an emergency, and may not abuse access to harass. Tenant may not unreasonably withhold consent for inspections, repairs, services, or showings. Iowa Code § 562A.19 |
| Kansas | Landlord may enter at reasonable hours after reasonable notice to inspect, repair, supply services, or show the unit; may enter without consent in an extreme hazard involving potential loss of life or severe property damage; may not abuse access to harass. K.S.A. 58-2557 |
| Kentucky | URLTA areas: at least 2 days' notice and entry only at reasonable times, except in emergencies or where impracticable; no abuse of access. Non-URLTA areas: no statute. KRS 383.615 |
| Louisiana | No statute Official source |
| Maine | Reasonable notice at reasonable times; 24 hours' notice is presumed reasonable. No notice needed in an emergency or where impracticable. Tenant may not unreasonably refuse entry for inspections, repairs, improvements, or showings. 14 M.R.S. § 6025 |
| Maryland | Written notice at least 24 hours in advance stating the approximate date/time and specific purpose; entry only 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday, unless the tenant agrees in writing to another time or shorter notice. Permitted purposes include repairs/maintenance, inspections, showing the unit, safety, government-ordered work, and responding to a written tenant request. No notice needed in an emergency. Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-221 |
| Massachusetts | No set advance-notice period (for example, 24 hours) in the statute. A lease may allow the landlord to enter only to inspect, make repairs, or show the unit to prospective tenants, buyers, or mortgagees; under a court order; if the unit appears abandoned; or within the last 30 days of the tenancy, after either party has given notice to end it, to inspect for damage that could be deducted from the deposit. G.L. c. 186, § 15B(1)(a) |
| Michigan | No statute — no Michigan statute sets a notice period or rules for landlord entry; entry is governed by the lease. MCL 600.2918(3)(b) (no general entry statute) |
| Minnesota | Entry only for a reasonable business purpose, after a good-faith effort to give at least 24 hours' advance notice with a specific time or window. Entry is allowed only between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. unless the landlord and tenant agree otherwise. No notice is needed if the landlord reasonably suspects that immediate entry is needed to prevent injury to people or property, to check on the tenant's safety, or to comply with local ordinances on unlawful activity. Minn. Stat. § 504B.211 |
| Mississippi | No statute. The Residential Landlord and Tenant Act has no provision on landlord entry or advance notice before entry. Miss. Code Ann. §§ 89-8-1 to 89-8-45 (no entry provision) |
| Missouri | No statute — entry and notice before entry are governed by the lease. RSMo Chs. 441, 534 and 535 (no section on landlord entry) |
| Montana | At least 24 hours' notice, at reasonable times, except in an emergency or when notice is impracticable. Posting notice conspicuously on the main entry door counts as notice. Mont. Code Ann. § 70-24-312 |
| Nebraska | At least 24 hours' written notice (stating purpose and expected arrival window, delivered to each unit) and entry at reasonable times, except in an emergency or where notice is impracticable. Tenant may not unreasonably refuse consent; landlord may not abuse access or use it to harass. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1423 |
| 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) |
| New Hampshire | Landlord may not enter without the tenant's consent except for emergency repairs or under a court order. Tenant may not unreasonably refuse entry at a reasonable time after 'notice which is adequate under the circumstances' (no fixed number of hours). RSA 540-A:3, IV-V |
| New Jersey | No statute. No N.J.S.A. provision sets a general notice period for landlord entry. State regulations for multiple dwellings (3+ units) require occupants to give the owner access for inspection and needed repairs on reasonable notice, which ordinarily is one day, and immediately in safety or structural emergencies. Other entry is governed by the lease. N.J.A.C. 5:10-5.1(c) (regulation); no statute |
| New Mexico | 24 hours' written notice stating the purpose and date and a reasonable time frame, unless otherwise agreed. No notice needed for repairs/services within 7 days of the resident's request, when accompanied by a public inspector or utility/cable representative, or in an emergency. NMSA 1978, § 47-8-24 |
| New York | No statute. Per the NY Attorney General, a landlord may enter with reasonable prior notice at a reasonable time, with consent or as the lease allows (e.g., repairs, inspections, showings); in an emergency, entry without notice or consent is allowed. No statute; NY Attorney General Residential Tenants' Rights Guide |
| North Carolina | No statute — North Carolina's landlord-tenant chapter (G.S. Chapter 42) sets no notice period or rules for landlord entry; entry is governed by the lease. N.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 42 (checked; no entry section) |
| North Dakota | Any time in an emergency, or if the landlord reasonably believes the tenant abandoned the unit or is in substantial violation of the lease. Otherwise only during reasonable hours, in a reasonable manner, for inspection, repairs, services, or showings, and (unless impractical) after notifying the tenant and receiving consent for a time certain; consent may not be unreasonably withheld and is presumed if the tenant does not object after notice. N.D.C.C. § 47-16-07.3 |
| Ohio | Reasonable notice and entry only at reasonable times, except in an emergency or where notice is impracticable; 24 hours is presumed to be reasonable notice. Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.04(A)(8) |
| Oklahoma | At least 1 day's notice of intent to enter, at reasonable times, for inspections, repairs, services, or showing the unit. No notice needed in an emergency or when impracticable. 41 O.S. § 128; remedies 41 O.S. § 124 |
| 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 |
| Pennsylvania | No statute. None in the Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 |
| Rhode Island | At least 2 days' notice of intent to enter, at reasonable times, except in an emergency or when impracticable. Entry without consent allowed in emergencies, or during a tenant absence of more than 7 days if reasonably necessary to protect the property. R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-26 |
| South Carolina | At least 24 hours' notice and entry at reasonable times. Exceptions: emergencies (any time); regularly scheduled periodic services (9 a.m.-6 p.m.) if conspicuously stated in the written lease and announced at entry; tenant-requested services (8 a.m.-8 p.m.) with announcement. S.C. Code § 27-40-530 |
| South Dakota | Reasonable notice and entry at reasonable times, except in emergencies or where notice is impracticable. Written notice 24 hours in advance is presumed reasonable unless the lease sets other notice methods or times. The notice must state the date(s), a time window within normal business hours, the purpose, and how to ask to reschedule. SDCL 43-32-32 |
| Tennessee | No general advance-notice requirement. In URLTA counties, the tenant may not unreasonably refuse consent to entry to inspect, repair, supply services, or show the unit. The landlord may enter without consent in an emergency, or when utilities are off through no fault of the landlord. Otherwise the landlord may enter only by court order, if the unit is abandoned or surrendered, if the tenant is deceased, incapacitated or incarcerated, or as the statute otherwise allows. Showings to prospective tenants in the final 30 days of the lease are allowed only if the lease provides for them and 24 hours' notice is given. The landlord may not abuse the right of access or use it to harass the tenant. T.C.A. 66-28-403 |
| Texas | No statute Tex. Prop. Code ch. 92 |
| Utah | At least 24 hours' prior notice of entry, except as otherwise provided in the rental agreement. Utah Code 57-22-4(2) |
| Vermont | With tenant consent (not to be unreasonably withheld), or between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. on at least 48 hours' notice for inspections, repairs, services, or showings. No notice needed if the landlord reasonably believes there is imminent danger to a person or property. 9 V.S.A. 4460 |
| Virginia | Landlord must give notice of intent to enter and enter only at reasonable times; at least 72 hours' notice for routine maintenance not requested by the tenant. No notice needed in an emergency, when impractical, or when the tenant requested the maintenance. Va. Code 55.1-1229 |
| Washington | At least two days' written notice stating the exact date(s) and time or a time window, with a phone number for objections; one day's notice to show the unit. No notice required in an emergency or abandonment. RCW 59.18.150(6) |
| West Virginia | No statute W. Va. Code ch. 37, art. 6 (no entry-notice section) |
| Wisconsin | At least 12 hours' advance notice, unless the tenant agrees to shorter notice. Entry is limited to reasonable times to inspect, repair, or show the unit. No notice is needed if the tenant requests or consents to the entry time, in a health or safety emergency, or if the tenant is absent and entry is reasonably needed to protect the premises. Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.09(2); Wis. Stat. § 704.05(2) |
| Wyoming | No statute W.S. 1-21-1205(a)(iii) |
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General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.