Your landlord (or building owner) is only allowed in your unit for the following reasons

  1. In an emergency, like a fire or broken pipe, or to inspect the unit
  2. Repair something in the unit
  3. Show the apartment, or
  4. If you consent to it

In a non-emergency, the landlord/owner should:

  • Give you at least a 24 hour written notice with the reason for their visit. Note that you do not have to be in the unit but can be, if you need to.
  • The visit should be within business hours. An exception to this law is when they are selling the unit. In that situation, they can give you a 120 day notice of their plans to sell, and should write you a notice of any showings they may have.
  • They should still give you a 24 hour notice. The landlord/owner should not abuse this right and if they do, you can try and enforce your rights.

If the landlord/owner of the unit abused this right, the first step is to write a letter.

  • If you’re covered under the Oakland Tenant Protection ordinance, then include this information in the letter.
  • Once you write a letter, wait 15 days to see if your landlord continues to violate their right to enter. If they do continue, then:
    • Talk to housing organization or
    • Sue your landlord in small claims court