Can Landlord Show Your Apartment While You Live There? (State-by-State)
Many leases let the landlord show the unit to future tenants or buyers near the end of the lease, or inspect it at any time. Some say this can happen without notice or as often as the landlord wants. Many states require advance notice and reasonable times for non-emergency entry, so check your state's rule in the table below.
What it looks like in a lease
- “During the last 60 days of the term, Landlord may show the Premises at any time.”
- “Landlord may enter for inspections or showings without prior notice.”
- “Tenant shall make the Premises available for showings daily between 8 am and 8 pm.”
Why it's a red flag
- Entry “at any time” or “without notice” may go past what your state's law allows for non-emergency visits.
- Frequent showings can disrupt your right to quiet use of your home.
- Lockbox or key clauses can let strangers in when you are not home.
What to ask your landlord
- How much notice will I get before a showing or inspection?
- Can showings be limited to set hours and a set number per week?
- Can I be present, or will the landlord or agent always attend?
State-by-state rules
The table shows each state's general notice rule for landlord entry. Check the cited statute for showings and emergencies. Each row links to the statute. Data as of 2026-10-22.
- Alabama
- Notice before entry
- Landlord may enter at reasonable times after giving at least two days' notice of intent to enter (posting a note on the primary door stating the time and purpose is a permitted method), unless impracticable. No notice needed for emergencies, court order, or if tenant has been given a separate general notice/advance schedule of more than two days for repairs or services; entry also allowed with reasonable cause to believe the unit is abandoned or during tenant absence over 14 days (35-9A-303, 35-9A-423(b)).
Source: Ala. Code 35-9A-303(b)-(d)
- Alaska
- Notice before entry
- The landlord must give the tenant at least 24 hours' notice of intent to enter, except in an emergency or if it is impracticable, and may enter only at reasonable times and with the tenant's consent; the tenant may not unreasonably withhold consent (to inspect, make necessary or agreed repairs, supply services, or show the unit to buyers, mortgagees, tenants, workers or contractors). The landlord may enter without consent in an emergency, and may not abuse access or use it to harass. If the landlord makes an unlawful entry or repeated harassing demands, the tenant can get an injunction or terminate on 10 days' written notice and recover the greater of actual damages or one month's rent, plus court costs and attorney fees (§ 34.03.300(b)).
Source: AS 34.03.140, 34.03.300
- Arizona
- Notice before entry
- At least two days' notice and entry only at reasonable times, except in an emergency or where notice is impracticable. Landlord may not abuse access or use it to harass the tenant.
Source: A.R.S. § 33-1343
- Arkansas
- Notice before entry
- No fixed advance-notice period for entry is stated. A tenant 'shall not unreasonably withhold consent' to the landlord entering to inspect, make necessary or agreed repairs, supply services, investigate lease violations or possible criminal activity, or show the unit to purchasers, mortgagees, tenants, workers or contractors (18-17-602(a)). If the tenant refuses lawful access, the landlord can seek an injunction in district court to compel access or terminate the rental agreement, plus actual damages and attorney's fees (18-17-705).
Source: Ark. Code 18-17-602, 18-17-705
- California
- Notice before entry
- 24 hours' written notice is presumed reasonable (6 days if mailed); entry only for listed purposes and normally during business hours; emergencies excepted.
Source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1954
- Colorado
- Notice before entry
- Not verified yet
- Connecticut
- Notice before entry
- No fixed number of hours or days in the statute. The landlord must give reasonable written or oral notice of the intent to enter and may enter only at reasonable times, except in an emergency. The tenant may not unreasonably withhold consent to entry to inspect, make agreed repairs or improvements, supply agreed services or show the unit to buyers, mortgagees, tenants, workers or contractors. Without consent the landlord may enter only in an emergency, during a tenant's extended absence (if the tenant was to notify the landlord), under a court order, or if the tenant abandoned or surrendered the unit. If the landlord enters unlawfully or makes repeated demands that unreasonably harass, the tenant may recover actual damages of at least one month's rent plus reasonable attorney's fees, and may seek an injunction or end the lease.
- Delaware
- Notice before entry
- At least 48 hours' notice, entry only between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.; no notice needed for repairs the tenant requested or in an emergency. The tenant may waive the 48-hour notice only for showings to prospective tenants or buyers, in a separate signed addendum or document. Access may not be abused or used to harass.
Source: Del. Code tit. 25, § 5509(b)
- District of Columbia
- Notice before entry
- At least 48 hours' written notice (email or text allowed), only for a reasonable purpose such as repairs, inspection or showing the unit, and only between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., not on Sundays or federal holidays, unless the tenant agrees otherwise. No notice needed in an emergency.
Source: D.C. Code § 42-3505.51
- Florida
- Notice before entry
- 24 hours' notice for repairs, entry between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.; emergencies excepted.
Source: Fla. Stat. § 83.53
- Georgia
- Notice before entry
- No statute; follow the lease.
- Hawaii
- Notice before entry
- Except in an emergency or where impracticable, the landlord must give the tenant at least two days' notice of intent to enter and may enter only during reasonable hours; the landlord may not abuse the right of access or use it to harass the tenant (HRS 521-53(b)). The tenant may not unreasonably withhold consent to entry to inspect, make necessary or agreed repairs or alterations, supply agreed services, or show the unit to prospective purchasers, mortgagees or tenants (521-53(a)). No other right of entry exists except by court order, if the tenant appears to have abandoned the premises, or as permitted by 521-70(b) (521-53(c)). A tenant may treat repeated demands for unreasonable entry, or unreasonable unconsented entry, as grounds to terminate the rental agreement and a circuit judge may enjoin the landlord and fine up to $100 (521-73(c)). The landlord is liable for theft, casualty or other damage from an entry without the tenant's actual consent (except in an emergency such as fire) and any agreement exempting the landlord from this liability is void (521-73(b), (d)).
Source: HRS 521-53, 521-73
- Idaho
- Notice before entry
- No statute found in Idaho Code Title 6 ch. 3 or Title 55 ch. 2-3 that sets landlord entry rights or an advance-notice period; entry terms come from the lease. Other titles were not searched.
Source: Idaho Code Title 6 ch. 3; Title 55 ch. 2-3 (no provision found)
- Illinois
- Notice before entry
- No statewide statute; Chicago RLTO requires 2 days' notice.
- Indiana
- Notice before entry
- The landlord must give the tenant reasonable written or oral notice of intent to enter and may enter only at reasonable times; no fixed number of hours is set. The landlord may not abuse the right of entry or use it to harass. Entry without notice is allowed in an emergency that threatens the safety of occupants or the landlord's property, and without consent under a court order or if the unit is abandoned. The tenant may not unreasonably withhold consent for inspections, repairs, services or showings. A landlord may not change the locks or cut off electricity, gas, water or other essential services to exclude or pressure a tenant (except for emergencies, good-faith repairs or necessary construction).
Source: IC 32-31-5-6
- Iowa
- Notice before entry
- At least 24 hours' notice and entry only at reasonable times, except in an emergency or where notice is impracticable. Entry without consent is allowed in an emergency. The tenant may not unreasonably refuse entry to inspect, repair or show the unit; the landlord may not abuse access or use it to harass the tenant.
Source: Iowa Code § 562A.19
- Kansas
- Notice before entry
- Reasonable notice and entry at reasonable hours (no fixed number of hours in the statute), to inspect, repair, supply services or show the unit. Entry without consent is allowed in an extreme hazard involving potential loss of life or severe property damage. The landlord may not abuse access or use it to harass the tenant.
Source: K.S.A. 58-2557
- Kentucky
- Notice before entry
- At least 2 days' notice, except in an emergency or where impracticable (URLTA areas).
Source: KRS 383.615
- Louisiana
- Notice before entry
- Not verified yet
- Maine
- Notice before entry
- Reasonable notice and entry only at reasonable times, except in an emergency or where notice is impracticable; 24 hours is presumed reasonable. Unlawful, unreasonable or harassing entry lets the tenant recover actual damages or $250, whichever is greater. Any waiver of these rights is void.
Source: 14 M.R.S. § 6025
- Maryland
- Notice before entry
- Not verified yet
- Massachusetts
- Notice before entry
- Massachusetts has no statute setting a notice period for entry. Section 15B(1)(a) bars a lease from giving the landlord a right to enter before the lease ends except to inspect, make repairs or show the unit to a prospective tenant, purchaser or mortgagee (or its agents). The landlord may also enter under a court order, if the premises appear abandoned, or to inspect in the last 30 days of the tenancy after either side has given notice to end it, to assess damage that might be deducted from the deposit. Interfering with the tenant's quiet enjoyment, or regaining possession by force without a court process, is a crime (fine of $25 to $300 or up to 6 months in jail) and the tenant may recover actual and consequential damages or three months' rent, whichever is greater, plus costs and attorney's fees; any lease waiver is void.
Source: M.G.L. c. 186, §§ 15B(1)(a), 14
- Michigan
- Notice before entry
- No Michigan statute found that sets a notice period or hours for landlord entry. Unlawful interference with a tenant's possession includes use of force, changing locks without providing keys, or removing doors, windows or locks, but a landlord's temporary interference needed for repairs or inspection 'as provided by law' is not unlawful. Check the lease. A tenant who is wrongfully excluded can recover actual damages or $200 per occurrence, whichever is greater (600.2918(2), (3)(b)).
Source: MCL 600.2918
- Minnesota
- Notice before entry
- Only for a reasonable business purpose and after a good-faith effort to give at least 24 hours' notice specifying a time or window; entry only between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. unless agreed. No notice needed when immediate entry is necessary for safety/emergency reasons. The tenant cannot be required to waive the notice right as a condition of the lease.
- Mississippi
- Notice before entry
- No provision found: the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (89-8-1 to 89-8-45) contains no section on landlord entry or access to a rented unit, and states no notice period. Other titles of the Mississippi Code were not searched.
- Missouri
- Notice before entry
- Not verified yet
- Montana
- Notice before entry
- Except in an emergency or where it is impracticable, the landlord must give at least 24 hours' notice of intent to enter and may enter only at reasonable times; the landlord may not abuse the right of access or use it to harass the tenant. The tenant may not unreasonably withhold consent to entry for inspection, repairs, services or showings. The notice can be given as provided in § 70-24-108 or by conspicuously posting it on the main entry door. Emergency entry needs no consent. If the landlord enters unlawfully or unreasonably, or makes repeated harassing demands, the tenant may get an injunction or terminate the lease, and recover actual damages (§ 70-24-410).
Source: MCA §§ 70-24-312, 70-24-410
- Nebraska
- Notice before entry
- Except in an emergency or if impracticable, the landlord must give at least 24 hours' written notice of intent to enter, stating the purpose and a reasonable period for the entry, and may enter only at reasonable times (76-1423(3)). Landlord may enter without consent in an emergency (76-1423(2)); the tenant may not unreasonably withhold consent (76-1423(1)).
Source: Neb. Rev. Stat. 76-1423
- Nevada
- Notice before entry
- At least 24 hours' notice, at reasonable times during normal business hours (unless tenant consents otherwise); no notice needed in an emergency.
Source: NRS 118A.330
- New Hampshire
- Notice before entry
- A landlord may not willfully enter the tenant's premises without prior consent, other than to make emergency repairs (RSA 540-A:3, IV). Without consent the landlord may enter only for emergency repairs (including emergency evaluation/remediation of an insect or rodent infestation within 72 hours of first notice) or under a court order (540-A:3, IV-a, V-d). A tenant may not willfully refuse the landlord access to make necessary repairs or perform other reasonable and lawful functions of rental-property ownership 'at a reasonable time after notice which is adequate under the circumstances' (540-A:3, V). No fixed number of hours' notice is set, except 48 hours' written notice to inspect for bed bugs next to an infested unit (540-A:3, V-b) and at least 72 hours for written preparation instructions before pest remediation (V-c). A landlord may not willfully cut utilities (water, heat, electricity, gas etc., except temporary interruption during actual repairs or emergencies) or deny the tenant access/possession other than through judicial process (540-A:3, I-III). A landlord who vacated-tenant property must store it with reasonable care for 7 days (540-A:3, VII). Remedies include RSA 358-A:10 civil remedies with attorney's fees; unlawful lockout where the landlord re-lets the unit: damages not less than $3,000 (540-A:4, IX(a),(e)).
- New Jersey
- Notice before entry
- No general landlord-entry notice statute was found. A state regulation for multiple dwellings (buildings with 3+ units) says the tenant must give the owner or agent access for code inspections and needed repairs 'upon reasonable notification, which under ordinary circumstances shall be one day', and immediate access in safety or structural emergencies (N.J.A.C. 5:10-5.1(c); multiple dwelling defined in N.J.S.A. 55:13A-3). Hotels: immediate access.
- New Mexico
- Notice before entry
- Unless otherwise agreed, 24 hours' written notice stating the intent to enter, the purpose, the date and a reasonable estimate of the time frame. Notice is not required for repairs or services within 7 days of a resident's request, or when accompanied by a public official or utility representative. Entry without consent is allowed in an emergency; the owner may not abuse the right of access.
Source: NMSA 47-8-24
- New York
- Notice before entry
- No general statewide statute; reasonable notice expected. In NYC, HPD rules require 24 hours' notice for inspections and 1 week for non-emergency repairs (28 RCNY 25-101).
- North Carolina
- Notice before entry
- No statute; follow the lease.
- North Dakota
- Notice before entry
- The landlord may enter at any time in an emergency, or if the landlord reasonably believes the tenant has abandoned the premises or is in substantial violation of the lease. Otherwise entry is allowed only during reasonable hours and in a reasonable manner, for inspection, necessary or agreed repairs and alterations, supplying services, or showing the unit to buyers, insurers, mortgagees, agents, tenants, workers or contractors. Unless impractical, the landlord must first notify the tenant and obtain consent (not to be unreasonably withheld) that identifies a time certain; consent is presumed if the tenant does not object after notice of entry at a time certain. Notice may be given in person, by posting in a conspicuous place for a reasonable period, or by any method that results in actual notice. The statute sets no fixed number of hours of notice. The landlord may not abuse access or use it to harass or intimidate (§ 47-16-07.3).
Source: N.D.C.C. § 47-16-07.3
- Ohio
- Notice before entry
- 24 hours' notice and reasonable times, except emergencies.
Source: Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.04(A)(8)
- Oklahoma
- Notice before entry
- A tenant may not unreasonably withhold consent to the landlord entering to inspect, make necessary or agreed repairs, supply services or show the unit (§ 128(A)). Except in an emergency or where it is impracticable, the landlord must give the tenant at least one (1) day's notice of intent to enter and may enter only at reasonable times (§ 128(C)). Entry without consent is allowed in an emergency (§ 128(B)). The landlord may not abuse the right of access or use it to harass (§ 128(C)). Remedy for unlawful or harassing entry: injunction or termination on written notice, plus actual damages (§ 124(A)).
Source: 41 O.S. § 128(A)-(C), § 124(A)
- Oregon
- Notice before entry
- At least 24 hours' actual notice, at reasonable times; no notice for emergencies (tenant told within 24 hours after an emergency entry in their absence) or for entering to make repairs the tenant requested in writing (that permission lasts 7 days).
Source: ORS 90.322
- Pennsylvania
- Notice before entry
- No statute; follow the lease.
- Rhode Island
- Notice before entry
- The landlord must give the tenant at least two days' notice of intent to enter, except in an emergency or where giving notice is impracticable, and may enter only at reasonable times. The landlord may not abuse the right of access or use it to harass the tenant. A tenant may not unreasonably withhold consent to entry for inspection, agreed repairs, services or showings. Entry without consent is allowed in an emergency or, during a tenant absence of more than seven days, when reasonably necessary to protect the property. The landlord has no other right of access except under a court order, as permitted by 34-18-39, or where the tenant has abandoned or surrendered the premises.
Source: R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-26(a)-(d)
- South Carolina
- Notice before entry
- At least 24 hours' notice and entry only at reasonable times. Exceptions: emergencies; regularly scheduled services (filters, pest treatment) 9 a.m.-6 p.m. if conspicuously written in the lease and announced before entering; tenant-requested services 8 a.m.-8 p.m. after announcing. Landlord may not abuse access or use it to harass the tenant. Tenant may not change locks without permission.
Source: S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-530
- South Dakota
- Notice before entry
- Except in an emergency or where notice is impracticable, the landlord must give reasonable notice of intent to enter and enter only at reasonable times. 24 hours' written notice is presumed reasonable unless the lease sets other notice methods or times. The notice must state the date(s) of entry, a time window during normal business hours, the purpose of entry, and how the tenant can ask to reschedule. The statute sets no specific penalty.
Source: SDCL § 43-32-32
- Tennessee
- Notice before entry
- No general advance-notice period; tenant may not unreasonably refuse access. For showing to prospective tenants in the last 30 days of the lease (if the lease allows), 24 hours' notice. Emergency entry allowed.
Source: Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-403
- Texas
- Notice before entry
- No statute; entry rules come from the lease.
- Utah
- Notice before entry
- At least 24 hours' notice, unless the rental agreement provides otherwise.
Source: Utah Code § 57-22-4(2)
- Vermont
- Notice before entry
- A landlord may enter with the tenant's consent, which the tenant may not unreasonably withhold. Otherwise the landlord may enter only between 9:00 A.M. and 9:00 P.M. on at least 48 hours' notice, and only to inspect the premises, make necessary or agreed repairs, alterations or improvements, supply agreed services, or show the unit to prospective or actual purchasers, mortgagees, tenants, workers or contractors. The landlord may enter without consent or notice only where there is a reasonable belief of imminent danger to a person or property. Illegal lockouts and utility shut-offs are prohibited (§ 4463).
Source: 9 V.S.A. § 4460(a)-(c); § 4463
- Virginia
- Notice before entry
- Notice of intent to enter and entry only at reasonable times, except in an emergency or where impractical. At least 72 hours' notice for routine maintenance the tenant did not request. Landlord may not abuse access or use it to harass the tenant.
Source: Va. Code § 55.1-1229(A)
- Washington
- Notice before entry
- At least 2 days' written notice stating the date(s) and time window plus a phone number for objections, and entry only at reasonable times; 1 day's notice to show the unit to buyers or tenants. No notice needed in an emergency or abandonment, or where notice is impracticable. No harassment or excessive showings.
Source: RCW 59.18.150
- West Virginia
- Notice before entry
- Not verified yet
- Wisconsin
- Notice before entry
- Entry is allowed only to inspect, make repairs or show the unit to prospective tenants or purchasers, on advance notice and at reasonable times, for no longer than reasonably needed. Advance notice means at least 12 hours unless the tenant, once told of the proposed entry, agrees to a shorter time. No notice is needed if the tenant requests or consents in advance knowing the time, there is a health or safety emergency, or the tenant is absent and the landlord reasonably believes entry is needed to protect the premises from damage. The landlord must announce their presence before entering and identify themselves on request. A lease may add other entry rights only through a separate signed 'NONSTANDARD RENTAL PROVISIONS' document.
Source: Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.09(2); Wis. Stat. 704.05(2)
- Wyoming
- Notice before entry
- The statute sets no notice period or hours for landlord entry. It only provides that a renter may not unreasonably deny access, refuse entry or withhold consent to entry by the owner, agent or manager to make repairs, inspect the unit, or show it for rent or sale (§ 1-21-1205(a)(iii)); such a violation can support a forcible entry and detainer action (§ 1-21-1002(a)(vi)). Any notice terms must come from the lease.
Cities and counties can add stricter rules (e.g. Chicago, New York City). Full rules for each state: state tenant laws.
Does your lease have this clause?
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Scan my lease freeOther clauses to check
- Non-refundable security deposits
- Late fees
- Landlord entry without notice
- “Tenant pays all repairs” clauses
- Automatic renewal clauses
- Rent increase clauses
- Waivers of tenant rights
- Move-out cleaning & carpet fees
- Notice to move out
- “Landlord not liable” & other void clauses
- Security deposit earns no interest
- Pet deposits, pet fees & pet rent
- “As is” condition clauses
- No grace period & daily late fees
- First and last month's rent plus deposit
- Tenant pays landlord's attorney fees
- Lockouts & utility shut-offs
- Deposit deductions for normal wear & tear
- Deposit returned “within 60 days” or at landlord's discretion
- Mold disclaimer & release clauses
- Tenant pays for pest control
- Daily late fees that keep adding up
- Security deposit can't be used as last month's rent
- No complaints to inspectors / retaliation clauses
General information only, not legal advice. Laws change — verify with the linked source or a licensed attorney.