Non-emergency entry
Reasonable notice
Source: NY Attorney GeneralPrivacy & Access Guide
Reviewed by LeaseSnap Editorial TeamLast updated March 13, 2026NYC and New York State tenant guidance
Can a Landlord Enter Without Notice in NYC? Your Privacy Rights
In NYC, a landlord generally cannot enter your apartment without notice except in an emergency. For inspections, repairs, and showings, the safer standard is that landlords should give reasonable notice and come at reasonable hours.
Tenant privacy is protected by New York law, but leases often include broad 'right of entry' clauses that can be confusing. This guide clarifies the limits of those clauses by explaining the difference between emergency access, scheduled repairs, and routine inspections under NYC standards.
How this guide is sourced
LeaseSnap guides are reviewed against official city and state housing sources, then translated into plain English for NYC renters.
Browse the official NYC source libraryEmergency entry
Immediate access may be allowed
Source: NY Attorney GeneralEmergency entry
No notice required
Source: NYC HPDWhat to confirm before a landlord enters
- 1
Ask for the specific reason for entry (repair, inspection, or emergency).
- 2
Verify that the requested time is during reasonable hours (usually 9 AM - 5 PM).
- 3
Check if your lease specifies a longer notice period than the city baseline.
- 4
Ensure any repair request was documented in writing before the entry occurs.
- 5
If you are uncomfortable with the timing, propose an alternative window immediately.
Important limitations
This guide is informational and not legal advice. Entry rights can be shaped by specific lease terms, building type, and the nature of the access requested.
- LeaseSnap cannot prevent a landlord from entering or resolve an active privacy dispute.
- Specific building rules or court orders may occasionally override standard notice patterns.
- If you feel harassed or your privacy is being repeatedly violated, seek legal aid or contact 311.
Landlord entry expectations
| Situation | Notice Required | Reasonable Hours? |
|---|---|---|
| True Emergency (Fire, Flood) | None | Any time |
| Scheduled Repairs | Reasonable notice | Usually yes |
| Routine Inspections | Reasonable notice | Usually yes |
| Showing the Unit | Reasonable notice | Usually yes |
What counts as a 'true emergency' in NYC?
Landlords have a right to enter without notice if there is an immediate threat to the building or tenant safety. This usually means active emergencies like a gas leak, a major water burst affecting other units, or a fire.
A 'repair emergency' that isn't immediate—like a slowly dripping faucet or a broken cabinet—does not give a landlord the right to enter without notice. If there is no immediate danger to life or property, the standard notice rules apply.
Reasonable notice for repairs and inspections
New York guidance often refers to 'reasonable notice' rather than a single universal hour count. The exact expectation can depend on the reason for entry, the lease language, and whether there is a real emergency.
Entering for non-emergencies without notice or at unreasonable hours can become a privacy or harassment issue, especially if the pattern repeats.
Review your lease's 'Right of Entry' clause
Many NYC leases use a standard form that allows the landlord to enter for repairs and inspections. However, some landlords add riders that try to expand this right. Always compare your lease language to the NYC baseline.
LeaseSnap helps you identify if your lease uses overly broad language that might infringe on your privacy rights by flagging access clauses that lack clear notice periods.
Frequently asked questions
Can my landlord enter if I'm not home?
Yes, provided they have given proper notice for a valid reason or if there is a true emergency.
What if I refuse to let the landlord in?
Unreasonably refusing a landlord access for necessary repairs or inspections can be grounds for eviction. Always try to coordinate a better time in writing.
Does 'reasonable notice' have to be in writing?
While oral notice can be valid, written notice (email or text) is highly recommended for both parties to maintain a clear record.
Can a landlord show my apartment to new tenants?
Usually yes, but they should still provide reasonable notice and come during reasonable hours unless there is a true emergency.
What should I do if my landlord enters without notice?
Document the incident in writing, ask for future notice in writing, and preserve the pattern if it keeps happening. If the issue escalates, use 311 or tenant legal aid resources.
Related LeaseSnap guides
Use this guide, then analyze your lease
The fastest way to move from general tenant guidance to your actual situation is to review your lease directly. LeaseSnap connects clause-level review to the NYC topics covered on this page.