California Landlord Entry Rules & Notice Guide 2025

When Can a Landlord Enter?

California landlord entry rules begin with Civil Code § 1954, which limits entry to a handful of specific purposes. A lease clause that tries to expand these reasons is unenforceable. The table below breaks down each lawful purpose, an everyday example, and the minimum notice required.

Notice Requirements: 24-Hour, 48-Hour, & Oral

A landlord entry notice California must be in writing, state the exact date, a reasonable time window (usually four hours), and the specific purpose for entry. Acceptable delivery methods include personal hand-delivery, sliding under the door, email (if that is your customary communication), or postal mail posted in a conspicuous spot. Notices hand-delivered after 5 p.m. are treated as delivered the next day.

Checklist—Verify before opening the door:
• Date & time window  • Stated purpose  • Landlord/agent signature  • 24 hours have actually passed

True Emergencies & Imminent Damage

Emergencies override the 24-hour rule. Think active flooding, an electrical fire, the smell of gas, or a frantic welfare check when a resident cries for help. A landlord who abuses the “emergency” label for minor issues risks harassment penalties under Civil Code § 1940.2.

Move-Out Walk-Through Rules

California security deposit laws let tenants request a pre-move-out inspection so they can fix issues before deductions. Landlords must give a 48-hour notice window and allow you or your representative to attend. The final inspection after keys are returned also requires notice unless you waive it in writing.

• Tenant may have friends, a translator, or videographer present.
• Landlord must leave a checklist of proposed deductions on site.
• See our Move-In & Move-Out Checklist for printable forms.

Roommates & Subtenants

If only one roommate signs the lease, the landlord still needs reasonable notice before entering shared spaces. A co-tenant can grant consent for entry; however, a subtenant occupying an exclusive bedroom enjoys independent privacy rights. Landlords may not target the “easier” occupant to bypass a roommate who works nights or is unavailable.

Unauthorized subletting complicates matters. While a landlord may serve a Three-Day Cure notice for violating a “no sublet” clause, regular entry rules continue to apply until the violation is resolved. For more on intra- household conflicts, visit our Roommate Rights Guide.

If You Want to Say No

Tenants may refuse entry when the notice is defective, vague, or delivered at an unreasonable time. The best practice is to respond in writing within a few hours, propose an alternate window, and document the interaction. Repeated unannounced entries can constitute harassment, triggering damages and civil penalties under Civil Code § 1940.2.

Landlords who retaliate—through rent hikes, eviction threats, or shutting off utilities—risk additional penalties under Civil Code § 1942.5.

Taking the Landlord to Small Claims

California small-claims courts hear privacy cases up to $12,500. Compile photos, timestamped texts, and witness statements. File a Notice of Claim and Order to Go to Small Claims Court (SC-100) with the clerk. Filing fees range from $30 to $75 and, if you win, the landlord may be ordered to pay up to two months’ rent in statutory damages plus costs. For a full dispute roadmap visit our Dispute Resolution Hub.

Entry-Notice Generator

Fill the form and click “Generate Notice” to create a compliant written notice your landlord can serve—or that you can serve when acting as master tenant.

Tool provided for convenience; always verify legal compliance.

Handling Illegal Entry: Step-By-Step