When a landlord can enter the unit

Plain language

A landlord must give at least 24 hours' written notice and may enter only for limited reasons (repairs, agreed services, showing the unit, inspections, or emergencies) and only at reasonable hours. No notice is required in a genuine emergency.

Statute text

Civil Code §1954 limits landlord entry to: emergencies; needed or requested repairs, decorations, alterations, or services; showing the unit to prospective tenants, buyers, lenders, or contractors; a pre-move-out inspection; or a court order. Except in emergencies or when the tenant agrees, the landlord must give at least 24 hours' written notice (the law presumes 24 hours is reasonable) and enter only during normal business hours. Repeated entries that harass the tenant are prohibited.

Source