As a tenant, you have the right to quiet enjoyment of this lease property and a fair right to privacy. Your landlord also has the right to enter the lease property for particular reasons as summarized by California Civil Code Section 1954. These laws attempt to strike a balance between landlord and tenant, giving the landlord the access she needs to this property without allowing too much intrusion or harassment. Once landlords and renters both know Civil Code Section 1954, there’s absolutely no explanation for a landlord to abuse those access rules.
In the event of Emergency
A landlord has the right to enter into a rental property without consent in the event of an emergency. A crisis is an instance where a lack of activity will cause damage to your property. Examples of an emergency include a fire, broken water heater, a gas flow or open windows at a critical rainstorm. There is not any restriction as to the time of day the landlord may enter to an emergency.
Make Repairs
A landlord should keep the rental property in habitable condition and perform maintenance jobs that happen because of wear and tear. The landlord must offer the tenant with suitable written note when he would like to enter the lease property to make repairs. The note must state when the landlord will enter the unit and why. California law says that 24 hours is considered reasonable notice. The landlord can simply schedule the entry during reasonable business hours, believed to be between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. And have to leave written proof, like a note or business card, signaling that she was inside the lease property.
Permit Access to Professionals
Several repairs and maintenance jobs are beyond the abilities of a landlord, so outside professionals have to be called in. Plumbers, electricians, HVAC contractors and professionals may need access to the lease property to do jobs that keep the lease property habitable. With 24 hours written notice, a landlord can accompany the professionals to the lease unit, allow them access and stay with them since they perform their work. These appointments can only be scheduled during normal business hours and landlords have to leave written proof of entry.
Show the Unit to Potential Tenants
Landlords have the right to make sure their lease properties are continuously occupied. When a tenant gives notice to vacate, or receives a lease termination notice, the landlord begins searching for new renters. Sometimes, landlords desire to market their lease property and need to demonstrate it to prospective buyers. In any event, the landlord should notify the current tenant of when potential renters or buyers will likely be viewing the property. The landlord must accompany the guests and leave written proof that she entered. Appointments can only be set during normal business hours. In case the landlord is trying to sell the lease property, she must provide the tenant a 120-day note of intent to market.