Moving in and out
Can my landlord enter my apartment without notice?
Updated By the Housing Rocket moderators
Short answer
Generally only in an emergency, like a fire, flood or gas leak. For repairs, inspections and showings, most states require the landlord to give reasonable notice, often 24 hours, and to come at reasonable times. Some states have no specific rule, so your lease and local law decide what counts as reasonable.
Your lease probably has an access clause that says how much notice you get and how it is delivered, such as by text, email or a note on the door. A lease usually can't take away notice rights your state gives you.
Common situations:
- Showings: when you are moving out, landlords can usually show the unit to new renters with notice. You can ask for set time windows.
- Repairs you requested: your request often counts as permission to enter for that repair, but ask them to confirm a time.
- Inspections: routine inspections usually need notice, and very frequent ones can amount to harassment in some states.
- Being home: you usually don't have to be there for a noticed entry, but you can ask to be.
If your landlord keeps coming in without notice, send a polite written message pointing to the lease clause and asking for notice in future. Log the dates and times. Repeated unannounced entry can violate your right to privacy or quiet enjoyment, and a tenant rights organization can advise on next steps.
Want the whole picture? Read Renting Your First Apartment: Applications, Leases and Move-in Costs.