Landlord Right of Entry: How Much Notice Are You Owed?
What This Clause Does
Your landlord generally has the right to enter your unit for inspections, repairs, and emergencies, but notice requirements apply. Most jurisdictions require at least 24-48 hours written notice before a non-emergency entry. The right of entry clause sets out these requirements.
Reasonable right-of-entry provisions are standard and not cause for concern. The problem cases are clauses with very short notice requirements, broad definitions of "emergency," or language allowing entry for showing the unit to prospective tenants at any time.
Example Clause Pattern
"Landlord shall provide Tenant with at least [24/48] hours advance written notice before entering the Premises, except in cases of emergency. Entry shall be during normal business hours unless Tenant agrees otherwise."
What to Watch
- Notice period shorter than 24 hours for non-emergency entry
- "Emergency" defined so broadly it includes routine inspections
- Landlord can enter to show the unit to prospective tenants without prior notice
- Entry permitted at any time of day or night
How This Clause Works by Jurisdiction
California Civil Code §1954 requires at least 24 hours written notice before a landlord enters a residential unit, except in genuine emergencies. Entry is restricted to normal business hours unless the tenant agrees otherwise. Lease provisions providing shorter notice do not override this statutory minimum.
Reviewed May 2026
New York law requires landlords to provide reasonable advance notice before entry, generally interpreted as 24 hours. Entry without proper notice may constitute harassment in rent-stabilized buildings under the NYC Housing Maintenance Code. There is no statewide statute specifying a minimum notice period, so the lease provision controls for market-rate units.
Reviewed May 2026
UK landlords must give at least 24 hours written notice before entering a rental property, as implied by the covenant of quiet enjoyment under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. Entry without notice may constitute unlawful harassment under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 and can result in criminal penalties for the landlord.
Reviewed May 2026
Jurisdiction-specific information is general in nature and not legal advice. See disclaimer.
Found in These Contracts
This clause commonly appears in the following contract types:
Negotiation Strategies
Negotiate a minimum 48-hour notice requirement and limit entry to business hours
Add a clause requiring the landlord to attempt to coordinate with your schedule
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