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The Landlord Entered My Apartment Without Notice While I Wasn’t Home, Is This Legal? (location: California)

I rent a small one-bedroom apartment in California and have been living here for about a year. My landlord lives in another city and usually only contacts me through text when rent is due or if something needs repair. Yesterday, I came home from work and noticed that my kitchen window was slightly open and one of my drawers was pulled out. Nothing was stolen, but it was clear that someone had been inside.

When I texted my landlord, he casually said he came by to “check on the plumbing under the sink” because he thought there might be a small leak from the unit below mine. The problem is, he never told me he was coming, and I never permitted him to enter while I was out. I asked why he didn’t at least give me notice or wait until I was home, and he said it was “urgent” and that, as the property owner, he had the right to enter whenever necessary to inspect for damage.

Now I’m feeling really uneasy. I don’t know if this counts as a legal “emergency” since there wasn’t an active flood or anything, and I’m worried this could happen again without my knowledge. I also don’t feel safe knowing he can just come in whenever he wants.

My question is, is it actually legal for a landlord in California to enter a tenant’s unit without giving notice for something like this? What are my options if I want to make sure it doesn’t happen again? Can I report this or send a written notice to protect myself legally?
Location: California

submitted by /u/No-Principle-941
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The Landlord Entered My Apartment Without Notice While I Wasn’t Home, Is This Legal? (location: California)

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