24 hours entry notice.
A landlord must give at least 24 hours' written notice before entering for repairs, inspections, or showings, and may only enter during normal business hours absent agreement.
What this means for you: Surprise visits without notice are not allowed except for genuine emergencies (fire, flood) or when you've abandoned the unit. Repeated unannounced entry can be harassment.
Your next step: If entries keep happening without notice, send a written objection citing Civil Code § 1954 and keep a log of dates and times.
Source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1954. Reviewed 2026-06-16.
More California rights: California security deposit · California eviction · California repairs · California rent increase.
Entry notice in nearby states: Oregon (24 hours entry notice) · Nevada (24 hours entry notice) · Arizona (48 hours entry notice).
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and vary by locality; consult a licensed attorney or your local housing authority.
Updated July 2026