Free notice of entry form (landlord's notice to enter)

A notice of entry is a short written notice from a landlord telling the tenant that the landlord or an agent will enter the rental unit on a specific date and time window, for a stated purpose such as repairs, an inspection or a showing. How much advance notice you must give depends on the state: some require 24 hours, some two or three days, and some have no statewide rule at all, leaving it to the lease. Fill in the form below to get a notice with the entry window, purpose, who will enter and a contact for rescheduling; choose your state to see its rule, or download the blank version to complete by hand.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-27 · by MakeLease Editorial Team

State

State where the rental is

Give the tenant reasonable notice (24 hours is presumed reasonable) and enter only at reasonable times, except in an emergency or where notice is impracticable (R.C. 5321.04(A)(8)). Summary of the cited official source, last checked October 26, 2026; city or county rules can be stricter.

Parties

Landlord or property manager name (required)

Tenant name(s) (required)

Everyone named on the lease. Separate names with commas.

Rental property address and unit (required)

Notice

Date the notice is given (required)

Time the notice is given (optional)

Used only to check the notice period. Leave empty and the check assumes the end of that day.

How the notice is delivered

Some states set a longer period for mailed notice. Read your state's summary above and your lease's notice clause.

Entry

Entry date (required)

Earliest time of entry

Latest time of entry

Give a window that is realistic for the work, during normal daytime hours.

Purpose of entry

Details

Say what will be done, specifically. Required if you chose Other.

Who will enter

The landlord, manager, contractor or agent, by name or company.

Contact

Phone or email for questions or to reschedule

Blank PDF

Free, no account needed. Showing example details. Replace them with yours.

Notice of Entry

Landlord's notice of intent to enter the rental unit

Date of notice:November 2, 2026

Rental property:123 Maple Street, Unit 4, Springfield

To (tenants):Alex Morgan, Sam Rivera

From (landlord or agent):Jordan Ellis

To Alex Morgan, Sam Rivera and all other occupants:

This is notice that the landlord or the landlord's agent intends to enter the rental unit at 123 Maple Street, Unit 4, Springfield on November 5, 2026 between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM.

Purpose of entry

Repairs or maintenance: Replace the leaking supply line under the kitchen sink and check the cabinet floor for water damage.

Who will enter

Jordan Ellis and a plumber from Northside Plumbing

If the date or time does not work for you, or you have questions, please contact Jordan Ellis at (555) 010-2030 as soon as possible so the entry can be rescheduled.

This notice is given under Ohio law on landlord entry (Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.04(A)(8)) and the terms of your lease.

Landlord or agent signature (Jordan Ellis)

Date

Delivery record

This notice was delivered on November 2, 2026 at 10:00 AM by (check one):

[checked] Handed to the tenant in person
[ ] Left at or posted on the unit's door
[ ] Mailed
[ ] Email or text message
[ ] Other method allowed by the lease: ____________________

Person delivering signature

Date

What to include in a notice of entry

Who it is from and to. The landlord or manager's name and the name of every tenant on the lease, addressed to the tenants "and all other occupants."
The exact unit. Street address and unit number, written the same way as on the lease.
The date the notice is given and how it is delivered. The notice period runs from delivery, so record both. The form adds a delivery record at the bottom.
The entry date and a time window. A specific date with the earliest and latest times. Washington, for example, requires the exact time or the earliest and latest possible times (RCW 59.18.150(6)), and Minnesota requires a time or anticipated window (Minn. Stat. § 504B.211, subd. 2).
The purpose. Repairs, inspection, showing, pest control or another reason, with a specific description of the work.
Who will enter. You, your manager, or the contractor's name or company.
A phone number or email for questions or rescheduling. Washington requires a phone number the tenant can use to object or ask to reschedule (RCW 59.18.150(6)).
Your signature. The landlord or agent signs and dates the notice.

How much notice is required before entering?

There is no national entry-notice rule for private rentals; it is set by state law, sometimes by city ordinance, and by your lease. Our dataset covers entry notice for 51 jurisdictions (the 50 states and DC). In 35 of them a statute sets the notice standard, either a fixed number of hours or "reasonable notice." Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, West Virginia and Wyoming have no general statewide entry-notice statute (some have narrower rules, noted in the table), and in Kentucky the rule applies only where a city or county adopted it. Check your lease and any city rules too, and see our landlord-tenant law by state guides for more detail.

About "24-hour notice." Twenty-four hours is the figure most people search for, and several states use it: Ohio presumes 24 hours to be reasonable notice (Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.04(A)(8)), and California, Florida, Minnesota and Oregon use 24 hours in their rules (see the table for the conditions). It is not universal. Arizona and Washington require two days, Virginia requires 72 hours for routine maintenance the tenant did not request, and California's period is six days when the notice is mailed. Use the longer of what your lease and your state require.

When you choose one of the states that sets a number of hours, the form warns you if the entry window starts sooner than that after the notice. It does not apply time-of-day limits, mailing rules or exceptions, so read your state's summary too.

Landlord entry notice rules by state

These are the 51 jurisdictions our dataset covers for entry notice. Each summary paraphrases the statute (or, where there is none, the official source cited) and links to the official text, last checked on the date shown. City and county rules can be stricter, and these summaries are not a substitute for reading the statute.

State	Notice required	Summary	Citation	Last checked
Alabama	2 days (48 hours)	Alabama landlords need to give at least two days' notice, which may be a note posted on the tenant's main door, and come only at reasonable times unless there is an emergency or the tenant asked for the repair (Ala. Code § 35-9A-303(c)-(e)).	Ala. Code § 35-9A-303	October 27, 2026
Alaska	24 hours	Except in an emergency or where it is impracticable, an Alaska landlord must give at least 24 hours' notice and enter only at a reasonable time (AS 34.03.140(c)).	AS 34.03.140	October 27, 2026
Arizona	2 days (48 hours)	Give the tenant at least two days' notice before entering and enter only at reasonable times, except in an emergency or when the tenant requested the repair (A.R.S. § 33-1343(B)–(D)).	A.R.S. § 33-1343	October 26, 2026
Arkansas	No statewide statute	Arkansas sets no advance-notice period for landlord entry; the statute only says a tenant may not unreasonably refuse entry for inspections, repairs, services or showings, so notice terms come from the lease (Ark. Code Ann. § 18-17-602).	Ark. Code Ann. § 18-17-602 (FindLaw copy, current as of Mar. 28, 2024); Arkansas Attorney General, Landlord and Tenant Rights (no entry rule)	October 27, 2026
California	24 hours	Give the tenant written notice at least 24 hours before entering (six days if mailed), stating the date, approximate time and purpose, and enter only during normal business hours except in emergencies (Cal. Civ. Code § 1954(b), (d)).	Cal. Civ. Code § 1954	October 26, 2026
Colorado	No statewide statute	Colorado has no general statute on landlord entry notice, so set entry terms in the lease; but give at least 24 hours' written notice before entering to make habitability repairs (no notice needed for imminent threats to health, safety or the property) and at least 48 hours' written or electronic notice before a bed-bug inspection or treatment, which the lease may change (C.R.S. §§ 38-12-503(6), 38-12-1004(1)).	C.R.S. § 38-12-503(6)(a)(III), (6)(b); C.R.S. § 38-12-1004(1)	October 26, 2026
Connecticut	Reasonable notice	A Connecticut landlord must give reasonable written or oral notice before entering and may come only at reasonable times, except in an emergency (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-16(c)).	Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-16	October 27, 2026
Delaware	2 days (48 hours)	Give the tenant at least 48 hours' notice before entering, and enter only between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m., unless the tenant asked for the repair or there is an emergency (25 Del. C. § 5509(b)).	25 Del. C. § 5509(b)	October 27, 2026
District of Columbia	2 days (48 hours)	A D.C. housing provider must give written notice at least 48 hours ahead and enter only for a legitimate purpose between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on a non-Sunday, non-holiday, unless the tenant agrees to something else or there is an emergency (D.C. Code § 42-3505.51).	D.C. Code § 42-3505.51	October 27, 2026
Florida	24 hours	Give at least 24 hours' notice and enter between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. for repairs; you may enter without notice in an emergency or to protect the premises (Fla. Stat. § 83.53(2)).	Fla. Stat. § 83.53	October 26, 2026
Georgia	No statewide statute	Georgia has no statute on landlord entry, so the lease controls; without a lease clause allowing entry, the tenant may refuse except in emergencies (Georgia DCA Landlord-Tenant Handbook p. 13).	O.C.G.A. Title 44, Chapter 7 (no entry provision)	October 26, 2026
Hawaii	2 days (48 hours)	Except in an emergency or when notice is impracticable, give the tenant at least two days' notice before entering and come only during reasonable hours (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 521-53(b)).	Haw. Rev. Stat. § 521-53	October 27, 2026
Idaho	No statewide statute	Idaho has no statute on landlord entry, so access is governed by the lease; if the lease is silent, the Attorney General advises telling the tenant why entry is needed and agreeing on a reasonable time (Idaho Code tit. 6, ch. 3; tit. 55, ch. 3, silent).	Idaho Code tit. 6, ch. 3 (Forcible Entry and Unlawful Detainer); Idaho Code tit. 55, ch. 3 (Rights and Obligations of Owners)	October 27, 2026
Illinois	No statewide statute	Illinois has no statewide statute on landlord entry, so access is governed by the lease; in Chicago the RLTO requires 2 days' notice except in emergencies (765 ILCS 705).	765 ILCS 705 (Landlord and Tenant Act — no entry provision)	October 26, 2026
Indiana	Reasonable notice	Indiana landlords must give reasonable written or oral notice before entering and come only at reasonable times, except in an emergency that threatens the occupants or the property (Ind. Code 32-31-5-6(f)–(g)).	Ind. Code 32-31-5-6(e)–(g)	October 27, 2026
Iowa	24 hours	Except in an emergency or where it is impracticable, give at least 24 hours' notice before entering and enter only at reasonable times (Iowa Code § 562A.19(3)).	Iowa Code § 562A.19	October 27, 2026
Kansas	Reasonable notice	Kansas landlords may enter at reasonable hours after giving reasonable notice, with no fixed number of hours, and may enter without consent only for an extreme hazard involving possible loss of life or severe property damage (K.S.A. 58-2557).	K.S.A. 58-2557; K.S.A. 58-2571(b)	October 27, 2026
Kentucky	Local rules only	In URLTA cities and counties, landlords must give at least two days' notice and enter only at reasonable times except in an emergency; outside those places Kentucky has no entry-notice statute and the lease governs (KRS 383.615(3), 383.500).	KRS 383.615; KRS 383.500; KRS 383.700	October 27, 2026
Louisiana	No statewide statute	Louisiana sets no notice period for landlord entry, so the lease controls, limited by the landlord's duty to protect the tenant's peaceful possession and its right to make repairs that cannot wait (La. Civ. Code arts. 2682, 2693).	La. Civ. Code art. 2682; La. Civ. Code art. 2693	October 27, 2026
Maine	24 hours	Maine landlords must give reasonable notice before entering, with 24 hours presumed reasonable, and may enter only at reasonable times unless there is an emergency or notice is impracticable (14 M.R.S. § 6025(2)).	14 M.R.S. § 6025	October 27, 2026
Maryland	24 hours	Since Oct. 1, 2025, Maryland landlords must give written notice at least 24 hours before entering, stating the date, approximate time and purpose, and may enter only 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday unless the tenant agrees otherwise or there is an emergency (Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-221).	Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-221; 2025 Md. Laws ch. 564 (HB 1076), enacted as § 8-220 and codified as § 8-221	October 27, 2026
Massachusetts	Reasonable notice	Massachusetts sets no notice period for entry but restricts its purposes: a lease may allow entry only to inspect, make repairs or show the unit, plus entry under court order, after apparent abandonment, or to assess deposit damage in the last 30 days of the tenancy (M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B(1)(a)).	M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B(1)(a)	October 27, 2026
Michigan	No statewide statute	Michigan has no statute setting a notice period before a landlord enters a rented unit, so the lease governs access (MCL 554.601-554.616; Truth in Renting Act, MCL 554.631-554.641).	MCL 554.601-554.616 (Landlord-Tenant Relationship Act; no entry provision); MCL 554.631-554.641 (Truth in Renting Act; no entry provision)	October 27, 2026
Minnesota	24 hours	Give at least 24 hours' notice stating the time or window of entry, enter only for a reasonable business purpose and only between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. unless the tenant agrees otherwise (Minn. Stat. § 504B.211, subd. 2).	Minn. Stat. § 504B.211, subds. 2-6	October 26, 2026
Mississippi	No statewide statute	Mississippi's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act contains no landlord-access or entry-notice provision, so the lease governs when and how a landlord may enter (Miss. Code Ann. § 89-8-1 et seq.).	Miss. Code Ann. Title 89, ch. 8 (no entry provision) (2024 H.B. 1580 text)	October 30, 2026
Missouri	No statewide statute	Missouri has no statute requiring a landlord to give notice before entering a rented home, so access is governed by the lease (RSMo chs. 441 and 535).	RSMo ch. 441 (no landlord-entry provision); RSMo ch. 535 (no landlord-entry provision)	October 27, 2026
Montana	24 hours	Montana landlords must give at least 24 hours' notice before entering and may come only at reasonable times, except in an emergency or when notice is impracticable (MCA § 70-24-312(3)).	MCA § 70-24-312	October 27, 2026
Nebraska	24 hours	Unless there is an emergency or it is impracticable, a Nebraska landlord must give at least 24 hours' written notice stating the purpose and a reasonable window for entry, and may enter only at reasonable times (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1423(3)).	Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1423; Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1438	October 27, 2026
Nevada	24 hours	Outside an emergency, give at least 24 hours' notice and enter only at reasonable times during normal business hours unless the tenant agrees otherwise for that entry (NRS 118A.330(3)).	NRS 118A.330	October 27, 2026
New Hampshire	Reasonable notice	A New Hampshire landlord may not enter a tenant's unit without the tenant's prior consent except to make emergency repairs or under a court order, and tenants may not refuse access at a reasonable time after notice that is adequate under the circumstances (RSA 540-A:3, IV, V, V-d).	RSA 540-A:3; RSA 540-A:4	October 27, 2026
New Jersey	24 hours	In a New Jersey multiple dwelling (three or more units), tenants must allow the landlord in for inspections and required repairs on reasonable notice, which ordinarily means one day, with immediate access in safety or structural emergencies (N.J.A.C. 5:10-5.1(c)).	N.J.A.C. 5:10-5.1(c)	October 27, 2026
New Mexico	24 hours	Unless otherwise agreed, a New Mexico owner must give 24 hours' written notice stating the intent, purpose, date and estimated time frame before entering, except in emergencies or for repairs requested by the resident within the past seven days (NMSA 1978 § 47-8-24).	NMSA 1978 § 47-8-24	October 27, 2026
New York	No statewide statute	New York has no statute setting an entry-notice period; landlords should give reasonable advance notice and enter at reasonable times for repairs or as the lease allows, except in emergencies (NY AG Residential Tenants' Rights Guide, "Right to Privacy").	NY AG Residential Tenants' Rights Guide, Right to Privacy (p. 54)	October 26, 2026
North Carolina	No statewide statute	North Carolina has no statute setting a notice period for landlord entry, so follow the lease's entry clause and give reasonable advance notice (24 hours is common practice) except in emergencies to avoid breaching the tenant's right to quiet enjoyment (N.C. Gen. Stat. Ch. 42, Art. 5).	N.C. Gen. Stat. Ch. 42, Art. 5 (silent on landlord entry); N.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 42 (silent on landlord entry)	October 26, 2026
North Dakota	Reasonable notice	Outside emergencies, a North Dakota landlord must notify the tenant and get consent for a specific time before entering, during reasonable hours, though consent is presumed if the tenant does not object after notice (N.D.C.C. § 47-16-07.3).	N.D.C.C. § 47-16-07.3	October 27, 2026
Ohio	24 hours	Give the tenant reasonable notice (24 hours is presumed reasonable) and enter only at reasonable times, except in an emergency or where notice is impracticable (R.C. 5321.04(A)(8)).	Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.04(A)(8); Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.05(B)	October 26, 2026
Oklahoma	24 hours	Oklahoma landlords must give at least one day's notice before entering and come only at reasonable times, unless there is an emergency or notice is impracticable (41 O.S. § 128(C)).	41 O.S. § 128	October 27, 2026
Oregon	24 hours	Except in emergencies or for repairs the tenant requested in writing, landlords must give at least 24 hours' actual notice and enter only at reasonable times (ORS 90.322(1)(f)).	ORS 90.322(1)	October 26, 2026
Pennsylvania	No statewide statute	Pennsylvania has no statute setting a notice period for landlord entry, so the lease governs; tenants must give reasonable access for repairs and showings, and landlords should give reasonable advance notice (Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951, 68 P.S. § 250.101 et seq., silent).	68 P.S. § 250.101 et seq. (silent on landlord entry); PA AG Consumer Guide, p. 10 (implied covenant of quiet enjoyment)	October 26, 2026
Rhode Island	2 days (48 hours)	Give at least two days' notice of intent to enter and come only at reasonable times, except in an emergency or when notice is impracticable (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-26(b)-(c)).	R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-26	October 27, 2026
South Carolina	24 hours	Give at least 24 hours' notice and enter only at reasonable times, except in an emergency or when announcing entry for lease-listed routine services (9 a.m.-6 p.m.) or tenant-requested services (8 a.m.-8 p.m.) (S.C. Code § 27-40-530).	S.C. Code § 27-40-530	October 27, 2026
South Dakota	24 hours	Give reasonable notice before entering, presumed to be 24 hours in writing listing the date, a business-hours window, the purpose and a way to reschedule, unless there is an emergency (SDCL § 43-32-32).	SDCL § 43-32-32	October 27, 2026
Tennessee	Reasonable notice	In URLTA counties Tennessee sets no fixed notice period for routine entry, but a tenant may not unreasonably refuse access, and showing the unit to new renters during the last 30 days requires a lease clause and 24 hours' notice (Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-403).	Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-403	October 27, 2026
Texas	No statewide statute	Texas has no statute requiring notice before a landlord enters, so entry rights depend on the lease; write entry terms into the lease (Tex. Prop. Code ch. 92 is silent).	Tex. Prop. Code ch. 92 (no entry-notice provision)	October 26, 2026
Utah	24 hours	Unless the lease sets different terms, a Utah owner has to give the renter at least 24 hours' notice before entering the unit (Utah Code § 57-22-4(2)).	Utah Code § 57-22-4	October 27, 2026
Vermont	2 days (48 hours)	Absent the tenant's consent, a Vermont landlord needs at least 48 hours' notice and may enter only between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., except when it reasonably believes there is imminent danger (9 V.S.A. § 4460).	9 V.S.A. § 4460	October 27, 2026
Virginia	3 days (72 hours)	Except in emergencies or where impractical, landlords must give notice of intent to enter and enter only at reasonable times, with at least 72 hours' notice for routine maintenance the tenant did not request (Va. Code § 55.1-1229(A)(4)).	Va. Code § 55.1-1229(A)(4)	October 26, 2026
Washington	2 days (48 hours)	Give at least two days' written notice (one day to show the unit to prospective tenants or buyers) stating the date, time window and a phone number for objections, and enter only at reasonable times; no notice is required in an emergency (RCW 59.18.150(5)-(6)).	RCW 59.18.150(5)-(6)	October 26, 2026
West Virginia	No statewide statute	West Virginia has no statute on landlord entry or advance notice, so the lease governs; giving reasonable notice (commonly 24–48 hours) except in emergencies is the safe practice (W. Va. Code arts. 37-6 and 37-6A).	W. Va. Code art. 37-6 (Landlord and Tenant; no entry-notice provision); W. Va. Code art. 37-6A (no entry-notice provision)	October 27, 2026
Wisconsin	12 hours	A Wisconsin landlord must give at least 12 hours' advance notice and come at a reasonable time before entering to inspect, repair or show the unit, unless the tenant agrees to a shorter time or there is an emergency (Wis. Stat. § 704.05(2); Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.09(2)).	Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.09(2); Wis. Stat. § 704.05(2)	October 27, 2026
Wyoming	No statewide statute	Wyoming sets no notice period for landlord entry; the statute only bars renters from unreasonably refusing access for repairs, inspections or showings, so the lease should set the notice terms (Wyo. Stat. § 1-21-1205(a)(iii)).	Wyo. Stat. § 1-21-1205(a)(iii) (renter may not unreasonably deny access); §§ 1-21-1201 to -1211 (no notice period)	October 27, 2026

Emergencies

Every state in the table with an entry statute (Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin) lets the landlord enter without advance notice in an emergency. Some go further: Oregon requires a landlord who makes an emergency entry while the tenant is away to give the tenant actual notice within 24 hours afterwards, stating the date and time, the nature of the emergency and who entered (ORS 90.322(1)(b)). Even where no statute requires it, a short written note after an emergency entry is good practice. A routine repair is not an emergency; give notice.

Repairs the tenant asked for

In Arizona, a tenant's service or maintenance request counts as permission to enter to do that work (A.R.S. § 33-1343(B)). In Oregon, a written repair request lets the landlord enter to make the requested repairs without further notice, and that authorization generally expires after seven days unless the repairs are in progress (ORS 90.322(1)(c)). Virginia's 72-hour notice applies to routine maintenance the tenant did not request (Va. Code § 55.1-1229(A)(4)). Elsewhere, sending a notice for requested work is still the safer habit.

Can the tenant say no?

In Arizona, Ohio, Virginia and Washington, the statutes say the tenant may not unreasonably refuse or withhold consent to entry for purposes such as inspections, repairs and showings (A.R.S. § 33-1343(A), R.C. 5321.05(B), Va. Code § 55.1-1229(A)(1), RCW 59.18.150(1)). In Georgia, which has no entry statute, the state's landlord-tenant handbook says the lease sets the conditions for entry and that without a lease clause allowing entry the tenant can refuse except in emergencies (Georgia DCA Landlord-Tenant Handbook, p. 13). If a tenant objects, offer another time and keep the exchange in writing. If you are thinking about entering over an objection, check your state's rules first or get advice.

Scheduling entry at reasonable times

Most of the statutes in the table say entry must be at "reasonable times," and two set hours: Florida allows entry for repairs between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. (Fla. Stat. § 83.53), and Minnesota between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. unless the tenant agrees otherwise (Minn. Stat. § 504B.211, subd. 2). California limits entry to normal business hours except in emergencies (Cal. Civ. Code § 1954). Practical habits that avoid disputes:

Pick a weekday daytime window that fits the job, such as 10 a.m. to noon, not "sometime Tuesday."
Ask before you schedule. A quick message asking which days work, followed by this written notice, gets more cooperation than a notice out of the blue.
Count back from the entry time and add margin for delivery, especially if you mail the notice.
Batch visits. Group the plumber, the inspection and the smoke-alarm check into one entry where you can. Washington, for instance, bars landlords from excessively showing a unit (RCW 59.18.150(6)).
Knock and announce before using your key, even after notice, and leave the unit as you found it.
If the window changes, send a new notice. Don't arrive outside the window you gave.

Notice of Entry by state

Each state page shows that state's cited rules for this document and opens the form preset for the state. States missing from the list don't have enough statewide rules in our dataset yet; use the form above and check your state's statute.

Delivery tips

Follow the notice clause in your lease first. Many leases say how notices must be delivered (in person, by mail, to a specific address). Your state may also set the permitted methods; check your state's landlord-tenant law.
Use a method that creates proof. Certified mail with a return receipt (USPS calls it Return Receipt) gives you a dated record of mailing and delivery. Hand delivery works too if you get a signed, dated acknowledgment or bring a witness.
Leave a margin on the dates. Deliver early enough that the full notice period fits even if the tenant receives it a few days after you send it. States differ on when a mailed notice counts as given, so don't cut it to the day.
Keep a complete copy. Save the signed document, the mailing receipt, the tracking printout and any reply. Store them with the lease.
Check how your state counts mailed notice. California's summary, for example, gives six days when the notice is mailed rather than 24 hours. Delivering by hand avoids that question.
Give a copy to every tenant. Address the notice to all adult tenants, and keep a copy with the delivery record filled in.

Frequently asked questions

Is 24 hours' notice to enter required in every state?

No. Ohio presumes 24 hours to be reasonable notice, California presumes 24 hours reasonable for written notice (six days if mailed), Florida requires 24 hours for repairs, Minnesota requires a good-faith effort to give 24 hours, Oregon requires 24 hours, Arizona and Washington require two days, and Virginia requires 72 hours for routine maintenance the tenant did not request. Texas, Georgia, Illinois, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Colorado have no general statewide entry-notice statute, so the lease governs. The table on this page covers every state. Cities can add their own rules.

What should a notice of entry say?

The tenant names and rental address, the date the notice is given, the date of entry and a time window, the purpose of the entry, who will enter, and a phone number or email for questions or rescheduling. Some states list required contents: Washington, for example, requires the date and time or the earliest and latest times of entry and a phone number for objections or rescheduling.

Can a landlord enter without notice in an emergency?

Generally yes in states with an entry statute: the statutes we checked, including Arizona, Ohio, Oregon, Virginia and Washington, allow entry without advance notice in an emergency. The exact wording differs; Oregon, for example, requires the landlord to give the tenant actual notice within 24 hours after an emergency entry made while the tenant was absent. Check your state's statute before relying on the exception.

Can the tenant refuse entry after getting a notice of entry?

In Arizona, Virginia, Ohio and Washington the statutes say the tenant may not unreasonably withhold or refuse consent to entry for purposes such as repairs, inspections or showings. In Georgia, which has no entry statute, the state's landlord-tenant handbook says the lease controls and that without a lease clause allowing entry the tenant can refuse except in emergencies. If a tenant refuses, talk it through and reschedule rather than entering anyway.

Can I send a notice of entry by text or email?

Only if your lease and your state accept it as written notice. Washington requires written notice, and California sets a longer period when notice is mailed. When in doubt, hand-deliver a printed copy as well and keep a record of when and how it was delivered.

Sources

RCW 59.18.150, Landlord's access to dwelling unit (Washington) (Subsections (1), (5), (6))
ORS chapter 90, including ORS 90.322, Landlord or agent access to premises (Oregon) (Subsections (1)(b), (1)(c))
A.R.S. § 33-1343, Access (Arizona)
Va. Code § 55.1-1229, Access of landlord to dwelling unit (Virginia) (Subsections (A)(1), (A)(4))
Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.05, Tenant obligations (Division (B))
Minn. Stat. § 504B.211, Residential tenant's right to privacy (Subdivisions 2 and 4)
Alabama: Ala. Code § 35-9A-303 (Entry notice)
Alaska: AS 34.03.140 (Entry notice)
Arkansas: Ark. Code Ann. § 18-17-602 (FindLaw copy, current as of Mar. 28, 2024) (Entry notice)
Arkansas: Arkansas Attorney General, Landlord and Tenant Rights (no entry rule) (Entry notice)
California: Cal. Civ. Code § 1954 (Entry notice)
Colorado: C.R.S. § 38-12-503(6)(a)(III), (6)(b) (Entry notice)
Connecticut: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-16 (Entry notice)
Delaware: 25 Del. C. § 5509(b) (Entry notice)
District of Columbia: D.C. Code § 42-3505.51 (Entry notice)
Florida: Fla. Stat. § 83.53 (Entry notice)
Georgia: O.C.G.A. Title 44, Chapter 7 (no entry provision) (Entry notice)
Hawaii: Haw. Rev. Stat. § 521-53 (Entry notice)
Idaho: Idaho Code tit. 6, ch. 3 (Forcible Entry and Unlawful Detainer) (Entry notice)
Idaho: Idaho Code tit. 55, ch. 3 (Rights and Obligations of Owners) (Entry notice)
Illinois: 765 ILCS 705 (Landlord and Tenant Act — no entry provision) (Entry notice)
Indiana: Ind. Code 32-31-5-6(e)–(g) (Entry notice)
Iowa: Iowa Code § 562A.19 (Entry notice)
Kansas: K.S.A. 58-2557 (Entry notice)
Kansas: K.S.A. 58-2571(b) (Entry notice)
Kentucky: KRS 383.615 (Entry notice)
Kentucky: KRS 383.500 (Entry notice)
Kentucky: KRS 383.700 (Entry notice)
Louisiana: La. Civ. Code art. 2682 (Entry notice)
Louisiana: La. Civ. Code art. 2693 (Entry notice)
Maine: 14 M.R.S. § 6025 (Entry notice)
Maryland: Md. Code, Real Prop. § 8-221 (Entry notice)
Maryland: 2025 Md. Laws ch. 564 (HB 1076), enacted as § 8-220 and codified as § 8-221 (Entry notice)
Massachusetts: M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B(1)(a) (Entry notice)
Michigan: MCL 554.601-554.616 (Landlord-Tenant Relationship Act; no entry provision) (Entry notice)
Michigan: MCL 554.631-554.641 (Truth in Renting Act; no entry provision) (Entry notice)
Mississippi: Miss. Code Ann. Title 89, ch. 8 (no entry provision) (2024 H.B. 1580 text) (Entry notice)
Missouri: RSMo ch. 441 (no landlord-entry provision) (Entry notice)
Missouri: RSMo ch. 535 (no landlord-entry provision) (Entry notice)
Montana: MCA § 70-24-312 (Entry notice)
Nebraska: Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1423 (Entry notice)
Nebraska: Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1438 (Entry notice)
Nevada: NRS 118A.330 (Entry notice)
New Hampshire: RSA 540-A:3 (Entry notice)
New Hampshire: RSA 540-A:4 (Entry notice)
New Jersey: N.J.A.C. 5:10-5.1(c) (Entry notice)
New Mexico: NMSA 1978 § 47-8-24 (Entry notice)
New York: NY AG Residential Tenants' Rights Guide, Right to Privacy (p. 54) (Entry notice)
North Carolina: N.C. Gen. Stat. Ch. 42, Art. 5 (silent on landlord entry) (Entry notice)
North Carolina: N.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 42 (silent on landlord entry) (Entry notice)
North Dakota: N.D.C.C. § 47-16-07.3 (Entry notice)
Ohio: Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.04(A)(8) (Entry notice)
Oklahoma: 41 O.S. § 128 (Entry notice)
Pennsylvania: 68 P.S. § 250.101 et seq. (silent on landlord entry) (Entry notice)
Pennsylvania: PA AG Consumer Guide, p. 10 (implied covenant of quiet enjoyment) (Entry notice)
Rhode Island: R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-26 (Entry notice)
South Carolina: S.C. Code § 27-40-530 (Entry notice)
South Dakota: SDCL § 43-32-32 (Entry notice)
Tennessee: Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-403 (Entry notice)
Texas: Tex. Prop. Code ch. 92 (no entry-notice provision) (Entry notice)
Utah: Utah Code § 57-22-4 (Entry notice)
Vermont: 9 V.S.A. § 4460 (Entry notice)
West Virginia: W. Va. Code art. 37-6 (Landlord and Tenant; no entry-notice provision) (Entry notice)
West Virginia: W. Va. Code art. 37-6A (no entry-notice provision) (Entry notice)
Wisconsin: Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.09(2) (Entry notice)
Wisconsin: Wis. Stat. § 704.05(2) (Entry notice)
Wyoming: Wyo. Stat. § 1-21-1205(a)(iii) (renter may not unreasonably deny access); §§ 1-21-1201 to -1211 (no notice period) (Entry notice)

Sources last checked 2026-10-27.

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