Short answer
Written notice before entry: 24 hours presumed reasonable (6 days if mailed)
When: Before each non-emergency entry (24 hours' written notice; mail at least 6 days ahead)
Give written notice with the date, approximate time and purpose before entering, and enter only during normal business hours. Twenty-four hours is presumed reasonable; a mailed notice should go out at least six days before.
"the landlord shall give the tenant reasonable notice in writing of his or her intent to enter and enter only during normal business hours. The notice shall include the date, approximate time, and purpose of the entry."
leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
"Twenty-four hours shall be presumed to be reasonable notice in absence of evidence to the contrary."
leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
"Mailing of the notice at least six days prior to an intended entry is presumed reasonable notice in the absence of evidence to the contrary."
leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Source: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov · Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Full rule details
Written notice before entry: 24 hours presumed reasonable (6 days if mailed) Verified
Deadline: Before each non-emergency entry (24 hours' written notice; mail at least 6 days ahead)
Give written notice with the date, approximate time and purpose before entering, and enter only during normal business hours. Twenty-four hours is presumed reasonable; a mailed notice should go out at least six days before.
Applies to: any number of units · Layer: California · Topic: Notice before entry
Who it covers: Not required for emergencies, abandonment, or when the tenant is present and consents. Oral notice allowed for showings to buyers if the tenant was told in writing within the last 120 days that the property is for sale.
"the landlord shall give the tenant reasonable notice in writing of his or her intent to enter and enter only during normal business hours. The notice shall include the date, approximate time, and purpose of the entry."
leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
"Twenty-four hours shall be presumed to be reasonable notice in absence of evidence to the contrary."
leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
"Mailing of the notice at least six days prior to an intended entry is presumed reasonable notice in the absence of evidence to the contrary."
leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Notes: Civ. Code §1954(d).
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction