Guide · US edition · Updated 2026-10-29

Notice of Entry: How Landlords Should Give Notice Before Entering

Tenants have a right to privacy in their home. Most states require landlords to give reasonable notice before entering for repairs, inspections or showings, except in emergencies.

Typical rules

Many states require 24 hours' notice; some require 48 hours; some only say "reasonable"
Entry is often limited to reasonable hours
Permitted reasons usually include repairs, inspections, showing the unit, and emergencies
Your lease may add details, but it generally can't remove rights the state gives tenants

Check your state's landlord-tenant law and your lease.

Emergencies

Fire, a burst pipe or a gas leak usually allows immediate entry. Let the tenant know afterward what happened and why.

How to give notice

In writing: email, text, or a letter, depending on your state and lease
State the date, time window and reason
Say who will enter (you, a plumber)
Keep a copy

Sample notice

Hi [Tenant name], We need to enter [address, unit] on [date] between [time] and [time] to [reason, e.g., repair the bathroom fan]. [Name of contractor] will be with me. Let me know if you'd like to be there or if another time works better. Thanks, [Your name, phone]

Good practice

Be on time and stay only as long as needed
Knock and announce yourself
Leave things as you found them
Log every entry in your notices log

General information, not legal advice. Notice rules vary by state.

The Small Landlord Toolkit includes an editable notice-of-entry letter and a notices and tenant communication log.

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