Tenant Privacy Laws

Tenant privacy laws protect tenants’ rights to privacy and limit landlords’ access to rental units. These laws vary by state but typically require landlords to provide advance notice (e.g., 24-48 hours) before entering the rental unit for non-emergency purposes, such as making repairs or showing the unit to prospective tenants. Landlords must also have a legitimate reason for entry and cannot use the right of access to harass or intimidate tenants. Some states also prohibit landlords from installing surveillance cameras or other monitoring devices in rental units or common areas without the tenant’s consent. Tenants have the right to exclusive possession of their rental unit and can deny entry to the landlord if proper notice is not given or if the entry is unreasonable or excessive.