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Landlord entering without notice - what are my rights?

renters rightslandlord tenant lawhousing advice
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Maria_90
Joined:
16.11.2021
Posts: 2491
Topic Starter
26.02.2025 23:20
I've been living in my current apartment for about six months, and lately, my landlord has been stopping by unannounced to 'check on the property.' He just walks in with his own key while I'm at work or even when I'm just relaxing in the living room. I feel incredibly uncomfortable and like my privacy is being completely ignored. Does he have the legal right to just show up whenever he wants like this without any prior warning? I'm in California if that makes a difference, and I really need to know how to approach this conversation without getting evicted.
11 replies in this topic
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Znaesht
Joined:
04.11.2019
Posts: 125
08.03.2025 02:35
That is absolutely not legal in California. You have a right to 'quiet enjoyment' of your home.
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Aleks_K
Joined:
18.02.2025
Posts: 2469
23.03.2025 04:55
In reply to a previous post
I had this exact issue last year. You need to send a formal letter immediately citing California Civil Code 1954.
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vulk_samotnik
Joined:
24.06.2022
Posts: 745
02.04.2025 10:33
In reply to a previous post
Make sure you document every time he enters. Keep a log with dates and times, it will help if you ever need to go to court.
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Kaya_J
Joined:
25.08.2022
Posts: 2314
26.04.2025 16:27
Does your lease mention anything about entry? Even if it does, state law overrides lease terms that violate your privacy rights.
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vuprositel
Joined:
05.09.2020
Posts: 779
14.07.2025 00:23
In reply to a previous post
I agree with the legal advice here. Also, consider installing a cheap security camera or a door jammer for when you are home.
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Zuzi_P
Joined:
01.06.2021
Posts: 614
19.09.2025 20:50
Honestly, just talk to him first. Maybe he thinks he's being helpful? Keep it professional so you don't sour the relationship.
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damian_varna
Joined:
13.04.2021
Posts: 844
24.10.2025 17:14
In reply to a previous post
To @User6, I wouldn't trust that approach. Someone walking into your home unannounced isn't 'being helpful,' it's a boundary violation that needs a firm response.
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Leon_M
Joined:
13.09.2024
Posts: 655
25.10.2025 21:32
This is a nightmare. I couldn't handle someone just walking in like that, I'd be changing the locks if the lease allowed it.
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Oskar_Z
Joined:
24.05.2025
Posts: 1981
03.01.2026 02:08
In reply to a previous post
Be careful about changing locks, though. In many places, you have to provide the landlord with a copy of the new key, so that might not solve the entry issue.
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Hubo_K
Joined:
12.02.2021
Posts: 1974
01.02.2026 01:49
In reply to a previous post
The law generally requires 24 hours written notice for non-emergency entry. If he isn't giving you that, he's in breach of contract.
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tech_geek_bg
Joined:
04.01.2021
Posts: 343
21.03.2026 21:15
In reply to a previous post
Good luck, OP. Don't let him intimidate you. You pay rent for the right to privacy, not to be supervised.

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