Your privacy rights when a landlord wants to enter
California law generally permits entry for specified reasons, such as necessary or agreed repairs, showing the unit, emergency, abandonment, or court order. Outside emergencies and certain consent situations, written notice is generally required; 24 hours is presumed reasonable in many cases. Entry should normally be during business hours and not used to harass.
Ask for the date, approximate time, and purpose in writing. Keep records of repeated, improper, or unexplained entry. Do not physically confront someone at the door; seek advice or assistance if the conduct continues.
Your lease can add detail, but it cannot erase statutory protections.
Source: California Civil Code §1954.