Name the purpose. Set the window.
Enter lawfully.
Give the tenant written notice of a planned, lawful entry with the date, time window, purpose, entrant and contact details required for the property location.
- Lawful purpose
- Date and time window
- Delivery record
How it works
From a lawful reason for access to a notice and delivery record both parties can understand
- 01
Check the entry rules
Confirm that the purpose is permitted and identify the local lead time, timing, content and delivery requirements.
- 02
Describe the planned entry
State the property, date, compliant time or window, specific purpose, expected entrants and a contact for questions.
- 03
Deliver and preserve proof
Use an authorized delivery method early enough to satisfy the rule, then keep the notice and delivery evidence.
Last updated August 20, 2026
Written by LawLease EditorialReviewed by LawLease Legal Team
By tenancy task
Which access or property document you need
A notice of entry announces lawful access. Inspection checklists record condition, repair requests document maintenance, and violation notices address lease noncompliance.
- MI
Move-in / move-out inspection checklist
Record condition room by room when possession begins and ends.
Learn more - LV
Lease violation notice
Document a non-rent breach and request a specific correction.
Learn more - RL
Residential lease agreement
Check the binding access, notice, repair and quiet-enjoyment terms.
Learn more - TW
Tenant welcome letter
Give the tenant routine maintenance and communication instructions before move-in.
Learn more - PM
Property management agreement
Define the manager's authority and responsibilities for access, repairs and vendors.
Learn more
What is a notice of entry?
A notice of entry is a written announcement that a landlord, manager, contractor or other authorized person plans to enter a rented dwelling for a lawful purpose. It usually identifies the property, planned date and time or window, reason for entry, expected entrant and contact information.
The governing law and lease determine when notice is required, the minimum lead time, permitted reasons, allowed hours, required contents and delivery method. Emergencies, abandonment, tenant consent and tenant-requested repairs may be treated differently. A notice of entry is also called:
- Landlord entry notice
- Notice to enter premises
- Rental inspection notice
- Advance access notice
If the entry is for a move-in or move-out walkthrough, record the observations on a move-in / move-out inspection checklist rather than putting condition conclusions in the entry notice.
Entry, timing and delivery rules
Access laws vary materially. A jurisdiction may require a fixed minimum period or only reasonable notice, limit entry to reasonable or business hours, require an exact time or allow a window, and prescribe specific delivery methods. Special rules may apply to showings, inspections, repairs, requested services or government access.
Entry must have a lawful purpose and cannot be abused to harass the tenant or defeat the tenant's right to use the home. An emergency exception should be reserved for genuine urgent conditions; some laws also require a post-entry notice when emergency access occurs while the tenant is absent.
Exact purpose
tied to a reason for access permitted by the lease and local law
Compliant window
scheduled with the required lead time and during allowed hours
Delivery proof
showing when and how the tenant received or was served with notice
- Confirm the purpose before scheduling
- Common statutory purposes can include inspections, necessary or agreed repairs or services, and showings, but the permitted list differs. Describe the real purpose specifically.
- Do not assume 24 hours is universal
- Some laws use 24 hours, others require more time or a reasonableness standard, and a lease or local ordinance may add protection. Count the lead time under the applicable rule.
- Use a precise, reasonable schedule
- Give the exact date and the narrowest reliable time or window. Check whether local law requires an exact time, earliest and latest times, business hours or a rescheduling contact.
- Check the authorized delivery method
- Personal delivery, posting, mail, electronic delivery and oral notice are not interchangeable everywhere. Use the method and additional mailing time the controlling law allows.
- No harassment or unnecessary repeat entry
- Coordinate vendors, limit access to the stated purpose, secure the unit afterward and preserve privacy. Repeated or pretextual access may violate the tenant's rights even when individual notices were sent.
How to write a notice of entry
Five checks produce a specific notice that is easier to schedule, deliver and prove.
Identify the governing purpose, timing and delivery requirements.
- State and local landlord-entry law
- Lease access provisions
- Special rule for this purpose
Free sample notice of entry
This sample shows the notice structure before you start. Your answers supply the actual parties, purpose, schedule, entrant and delivery details.
Notice of Entry
DATE / TO. Notice date: Tenant: Rental property:
PLANNED ENTRY. Entry is planned for , from to , subject to applicable law.
PURPOSE. The lawful purpose of entry is:
WHO WILL ENTER. The following landlord, manager, contractor or authorized person is expected:
CONTACT. Questions or a permitted rescheduling request may be directed to at .
Planning access to a rented home?
Real humans read every message — whether it's about choosing the right lead time, describing the purpose or documenting delivery. For disputed access, emergency entry or a local ordinance, get a local lawyer on it.