Notice of Entry
Written notice a California landlord must provide at least 24 hours before entering a residential unit, except in emergency. Required under Cal. Civ. Code § 1954, which also limits landlord entry to reasonable business hours and specified purposes.
Also known as: landlord entry notice, 24-hour notice, right of entry notice
Definition
A notice of entry is the written advance notice that a California landlord must serve on a residential tenant before entering the rented unit, as required by Cal. Civ. Code § 1954.
Statutory Requirements
Cal. Civ. Code § 1954(a) provides that a landlord may enter a dwelling unit only under the following circumstances:
- In case of emergency
- To make necessary or agreed repairs, decorations, alterations, or improvements
- To supply necessary or agreed services
- To show the dwelling unit to prospective or actual purchasers, mortgagees, tenants, workers, or contractors
- Pursuant to court order
- When the tenant has abandoned or surrendered the premises
- To conduct an initial inspection under § 1950.5(f) (pre-move-out inspection)
Notice Content and Timing
Under § 1954(d)(1), the landlord must provide at least 24 hours' advance written notice. The notice must:
- State the date, approximate time, and purpose of the entry
- Be delivered personally, left with a person of suitable age, or left at the premises as a posting with mailing
For oral notice, 24 hours is also required (§ 1954(d)(2)), but written notice is strongly preferred for documentation.
Reasonable Hours
Entry must occur during normal business hours, defined as between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on weekdays, unless the tenant consents to a different time.
Emergency Exception
In an emergency (e.g., burst pipe, fire, gas leak), no advance notice is required.
Sources
- Cal. Civ. Code § 1954, California Leginfo —
ca-leginfo
Frequently asked questions
Statutory Requirements
Cal. Civ. Code § 1954(a) provides that a landlord may enter a dwelling unit only under the following circumstances: In case of emergency To make necessary or agreed repairs, decorations, alterations, or improvements To supply necessary or agreed services To show the dwelling unit to prospective or actual purchasers, mortgagees, tenants, workers, or contractors Pursuant to court order When the tenant has abandoned or surrendered the premises To conduct an initial inspection under § 1950.5(f) (pre-move-out inspection)
Notice Content and Timing
Under § 1954(d)(1), the landlord must provide at least 24 hours' advance written notice. The notice must: State the date, approximate time, and purpose of the entry Be delivered personally, left with a person of suitable age, or left at the premises as a posting with mailing For oral notice, 24 hours is also required (§ 1954(d)(2)), but written notice is strongly preferred for documentation.
Reasonable Hours
Entry must occur during normal business hours, defined as between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on weekdays, unless the tenant consents to a different time.
Emergency Exception
In an emergency (e.g., burst pipe, fire, gas leak), no advance notice is required.
Sources
Cal. Civ. Code § 1954, California Leginfo — ca-leginfo