Can I refuse entry?

Key takeaways

• There is no single national notice-before-entry rule.
• Emergencies are treated differently from showings in most states.
• Write down the date, time, and how you were told.

Do this today

1. Write the date, time, who entered, and whether you were told in advance.
2. Keep texts or notices about the visit.
3. Open your state entry page for the official chapter.

What this page is not

• Not a national 24-hour-notice rule.
• Not a trespass charge we file for you.
• Not legal advice.

Confirm it locally

Caps, clocks, and entry hours live in your state chapter. Search below, or take the paper to legal aid if a court is named.

Terms on this page

Legal aid

People also ask

• How much notice does my landlord have to give before entering?
• Can my landlord enter when I am not home?
• What counts as an emergency?
• Can I put in a camera or change the locks?
• Can my landlord enter without notice in every state?
• Where do I confirm the entry rule for my address?

Official sources

• LawHelp.orgFree legal aid by state. Start here for court papers.
• HUD tenant rightsFederal floor and state HUD pages.
• Cornell LII landlord-tenant tableIndex of official state chapters. We name the chapter; we do not paraphrase a number out of it.
• 211Local rent, shelter, food, and utilities, in many languages.