California notice of entry template

California rules for this report

These rules are about how and when you report, not the template's fields. Check them before you deliver.

• A landlord may enter only in an emergency; to make necessary or agreed repairs, decorations, alterations or improvements, supply necessary or agreed services, or show the unit to prospective or actual purchasers, mortgagees, tenants, workers or contractors; to make the pre-move-out inspection; when the tenant has abandoned or surrendered the unit; or under a court orderCivil Code s. 1954 (a)
• Except as the statute allows, the landlord gives reasonable written notice of the intent to enter, stating the date, the approximate time and the purpose; 24 hours is presumed reasonableCivil Code s. 1954 (d) (1)
• The notice may be handed to the tenant, left with someone of suitable age and discretion at the unit, or left on, near or under the usual entry door where a reasonable person would find it; it may be mailed, and mailing at least six days before the entry is presumed reasonableCivil Code s. 1954 (d) (1)
• Entry is made only during normal business hours, except in an emergency, after abandonment or surrender, or when the tenant consents at the time of entryCivil Code s. 1954 (b)
• To show the unit to purchasers the notice may be oral, in person or by phone, if the tenant was told in writing within 120 days that the property is for sale; the landlord leaves written evidence of the entry inside the unitCivil Code s. 1954 (d) (2)
• The tenant and landlord may agree orally to an entry for agreed repairs or services, with the date and approximate time within one week of the agreement; no written notice is then needed, nor in an emergency, when the tenant is present and consents, or after abandonmentCivil Code s. 1954 (d) (3), (e)
• The landlord may not abuse the right of access or use it to harass the tenant; a significant and intentional violation of s. 1954 to influence a tenant to leave can cost a civil penalty of up to 2,000 dollars for each violationCivil Code s. 1954 (c) · Civil Code s. 1940.2 (a) (4), (b)

What is in it

• Notice of entryThe notice to the tenant, in the standard wording filled in with the entries.
• Additional detailsAnything else the tenant should know: keys, pets, access instructions.

Rules last reviewed October 26, 2026. Read the full California notice of entry requirements.