Landlord’s Right to Entry in California

Landlord’s Right to Entry in California

Last Updated: February 19, 2023

Legal Reasons for Entry
  • Inspections
  • Improvements (incl. decoration)
  • Maintenance
  • Property Showings
  • Emergencies
Notice Requirement
  • Usually 24 Hours, Written
  • Verbal for Some Repairs
  • None Needed for Emergencies
Penalties for Illegal Entry
  • Court Injunction
  • Cost of Damages
  • Civil Fines
  • Breaking the Lease
  • Court + Legal Fees

Does a Landlord Have the Right To Enter a Rental Property in California?

California landlords have the right to enter a rental property for any of the following reasons:

  • Inspecting the property.
  • Making improvements (including decorations).
  • Repairing or maintaining the property.
  • Showing the property.
  • Resolving an emergency.
  • Complying with a court order.

Can a Landlord Enter Without Permission in California?

California landlords can legally enter a rental property without permission. Notice requirements still apply, but permission isn’t needed to enter for inspection, improvements, repair, showings, emergencies, or compliance with a court process.

Can a Landlord Enter Without the Tenant Present in California?

California landlords can enter without the tenant present. The tenant only needs to be present if the landlord wants to enter without notice for a non-emergency situation.

Can a Landlord Show a House While Occupied in California?

California landlords can show an occupied house by giving proper notice. However, they must leave written evidence of entry for the renter after every showing; landlords will often leave a business card, for example.

How Often Can Landlords Conduct Routine Inspections in California?

California landlords have no specific limit on how often they can enter for inspections. The landlord isn’t allowed to enter unreasonably often, but what’s reasonable gets decided case by case.

How Much Notice Does a Landlord Need To Provide in California?

California landlords have to provide 24 hours of advance notice by default, unless there’s an emergency or the renter is present and agrees to the entry. For any longer or shorter notice periods, there must be evidence why the usual requirements shouldn’t apply.

Can a Landlord Enter Without Notice in California?

California landlords can only enter without notice in an emergency, unless the renter is present and agrees to the entry.

How Can Landlords Notify Tenants of an Intention To Enter in California?

California landlords have to deliver written notice at least 24 hours in advance in most cases. This can be mailed at least six days before intended entry, or posted on the rental property rather than given by hand. The notice must describe the purpose and approximate time for entry.

The landlord and renter can also agree verbally to entry for maintenance or services within one week. In that case, the 24-hour notice can be verbal. Verbal notice is also an option for property showings, up to four months after delivering written notice that the property is for sale.

Can a Tenant Refuse Entry to a Landlord in California?

California tenants can refuse entry to a landlord in the following non-emergency situations:

  • There’s an invalid reason.
  • It’s not during business hours (8 AM-5 PM).
  • Proper notice wasn’t given.

A tenant can’t refuse entry to a landlord if it’s an emergency, or there’s been proper notice for one of the following intentions:

  • Inspecting the property.
  • Making improvements (including decorations).
  • Repairing or maintaining the property.
  • Showing the property.
  • Compliance with a court order (usually as part of an eviction).

What Happens If the Tenant Illegally Refuses Entry to the Landlord in California?

California landlords who are illegally refused entry can get a court injunction to force access, or deliver a three-day notice to comply and threaten the tenant with eviction.

Can a Tenant Change the Locks Without Permission in California?

California tenants can change locks without permission if the lease doesn’t say otherwise. Note that the landlord still has a right to enter for specific reasons, so it’s recommended that renters provide copies of current keys.

What Can a Tenant Do If the Landlord Enters Illegally in California?

California tenants have the following options when the landlord enters illegally:

  • Get a court order preventing further entry.
  • Move out and cancel the rental agreement (for severe violations that prevent ordinary use of the property).
  • Sue to recover damages.
  • Sue for a civil penalty (for “significant and intentional” violations).

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