California 24-Hour Notice to Enter a Rental: Rules + Free Template

Under Civil Code §1954, a California landlord generally has to give the tenant written notice at least 24 hours before entering the unit. Here's what the notice needs, when you don't need one, and a template you can copy.

What the notice needs

• It must be in writing.
• It must state the date and an approximate time window of entry.
• It must state the purpose: repairs, an inspection, or showing the unit to a prospective tenant or buyer.
• Entry should happen during normal business hours unless the tenant agrees otherwise.

When you can enter without notice

In a genuine emergency, such as a fire or a burst pipe, you can enter without notice. Routine convenience doesn't count. The notice requirement also doesn't apply when the tenant is present and agrees to the entry, when the tenant has abandoned the unit, or when you and the tenant orally agree to an entry for repairs or services and it happens within a week of that agreement.

Mistakes that cause disputes

• Sending a text and treating it as notice when your lease or the tenant hasn't agreed to electronic notice.
• Giving a window so vague ("sometime this week") that the tenant can't plan around it.
• Entering repeatedly for "inspections" in a way that looks like harassment.
• Not keeping a dated copy of what you sent and how you delivered it.

Free template

[Your Name / Entity]
[Date]

[Tenant Name]
[Unit Address]

Re: Notice of Intent to Enter

This is written notice that I (or my representative) will enter the
above unit on [date], between approximately [time] and [time], for the
purpose of [repair / inspection / showing to prospective tenant or buyer].

This notice is given at least 24 hours in advance as required by
California Civil Code Section 1954.

[Your Name]

This article is informational, not legal advice. Local ordinances may add notice rules. For your specific situation, talk to a California landlord-tenant attorney.