A 24-hour notice to enter is a communication from a landlord to a tenant informing them of the landlord’s intention to enter the rental unit 24 hours after the delivery of the notice.
The notice specifies the time and date the landlord plans to access the property to perform a non-emergent task. For example, the notice can explain that the landlord will enter the unit to complete maintenance, perform pest control, or conduct an inspection.
When to Provide 24 Hours' Notice Before Entering the Property
Many states mandate at least 24 hours’ notice before a landlord can enter a tenant’s unit for a non-emergent reason. This period lets landlords respect the tenant’s privacy and sense of security.
Even if your state doesn’t enforce specific notice requirements, it’s still advisable to provide the tenant with advance notice. Landlords can issue the notice by placing it at or under the tenant’s door or handing it to them.
States That Require a 24-Hour Notice to Enter
Here’s a list of states that require landlords to issue 24 hours’ notice before entering a tenant’s unit for non-emergent reasons:
| State | Law | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | Alaska Stat. § 34.03.140 | n/a |
| California | Cal. Civ. Code § 1954 | n/a |
| Florida | Fla. Stat. § 83.53 | For repairs only |
| Iowa | Iowa Code § 562A.19 | n/a |
| Maine | Me. Stat. tit. 14 § 6025 | Can enter without 24 hours' notice if the welfare of an animal is at risk |
| Minnesota | Minn. Stat. § 504B.211 | n/a |
| Montana | Mont. Code § 70-24-312 | n/a |
| Nebraska | Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 76-1423 | n/a |
| Nevada | Nev. Rev. Stat. § 118A.330 | n/a |
| New Jersey | NJ Stat. § 2A:39-1 and NJ Admin. Code § 5:10-5.1 | Only for buildings with more than three units; for buildings with less than three units, the landlord can only enter when they get the tenant's permission or obtain a court order |
| New Mexico | NM Stat. § 47-8-24 | n/a |
| Ohio | Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.04 | n/a |
| Oklahoma | Okla. Stat. tit. 41 § 128 | n/a |
| Oregon | ORS § 90.322 | n/a |
| South Carolina | SC Code § 27-40-530 | n/a |
| Tennessee | Tenn. Code § 66-28-403 | Only applies within the final 30 days of a lease when the landlord plans to show the property to a new tenant |
| Utah | Utah Code § 57-22-4 | n/a |
| Washington | Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.150 | Only applies when the landlord intends to show the unit to another tenant |
