What your landlord can and cannot do while you are still renting

Your landlord can show your apartment to prospective tenants before you move out, but only under specific conditions. They must give you advance notice — usually 24 to 48 hours, depending on your state — and can only enter during reasonable hours on weekdays or weekends. They cannot show the unit whenever they want, and they cannot use showing as a way to pressure you to leave early.

The rules vary significantly by state and sometimes by city. Some states treat showing as a landlord's right once notice to vacate is given. Others require the landlord to prove the showing is necessary and reasonable. A few states give tenants the right to refuse entry for showings altogether. Knowing your state's rules before your move-out date protects you from unwanted intrusions and helps you plan your final weeks in the apartment.

Key Takeaways

  • Your landlord must provide written notice — usually 24 to 48 hours — before showing your apartment, even after you have given notice to vacate.
  • Showings must happen during reasonable hours, typically weekday business hours or weekend afternoons, not early morning or late evening.
  • Your state's tenant laws determine whether your landlord can show the unit at all and how much notice they must give; some states require more protection than others.
  • You can refuse entry for showings in some states, and you can always refuse entry that violates notice requirements or happens at unreasonable times.
  • Document all showing requests and entries in writing, and contact your local tenant rights organization if your landlord enters without proper notice.

Notice requirements vary by state

Most states require landlords to give tenants 24 to 48 hours' written notice before entering to show the apartment. A few states allow as little as 12 hours' notice, while others require up to 72 hours. Some states do not specify a minimum notice period at all, which creates ambiguity about what "reasonable" notice means.

The notice must usually be in writing — a text message, email, or posted notice on your door. A verbal announcement does not count. The landlord should specify the date and time window for the showing, not just say "sometime this week." If your lease or state law requires notice but your landlord does not provide it, you can refuse entry. Check your state's tenant handbook or contact your local housing authority to learn the exact requirement where you live.

What counts as reasonable hours for showing

Reasonable hours typically mean weekday business hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and weekend afternoons (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Your landlord cannot show the apartment at 7 a.m. before you leave for work, at 10 p.m. at night, or on a holiday without your consent. Some states define reasonable hours explicitly in their tenant laws; others leave it to common sense.

If a showing is scheduled during unreasonable hours, you can refuse entry. If your landlord insists or enters without permission, that is considered an illegal entry in most states. Document the time and date of any attempted showing outside normal hours, and report it to your local tenant rights organization or housing authority.

States where tenants can refuse showings

A handful of states — including California, New York, and a few others — give tenants the explicit right to refuse entry for showings. In these states, your landlord cannot force you to allow prospective tenants into your home, even with proper notice. You can straightforward decline and the landlord must respect that refusal.

Even in states where landlords have a right to show, that right is not absolute. You can refuse entry if the notice period is too short, the time is unreasonable, or the landlord has not followed the proper procedure. The key is knowing your state's rules before your move-out date so you can enforce them if needed.

How to handle repeated or disruptive showings

If your landlord schedules multiple showings per week or shows up without notice, you have options. First, respond to each showing request in writing — email works — and state whether you consent or refuse. Keep copies of all notices and your responses. This creates a paper trail if you need to file a complaint later.

If showings become excessive or your landlord repeatedly violates notice requirements, contact your local tenant rights organization, housing authority, or legal aid office. Some states allow tenants to break a lease or withhold rent if a landlord's conduct interferes with "quiet enjoyment" of the apartment — a legal term that includes unreasonable entry. Before taking that step, document everything and get information from a local tenant advocate or attorney.

What to do if your landlord enters without permission

If your landlord enters without proper notice or against your refusal, that is an illegal entry in most states. Write down the date, time, and what you observed (whether anyone was actually showing the apartment, what was moved or disturbed). Send your landlord a written message — email or certified mail — stating that entry was made without proper notice and asking them to stop.

Keep a copy of that message. If it happens again, contact your local tenant rights organization or housing authority to report the violation. Some states allow tenants to sue for damages or break the lease if illegal entry becomes a pattern. You may also be able to file a complaint with your city or county housing enforcement office, which can investigate and fine the landlord.

Your right to privacy during your final weeks

You still have a right to privacy and peaceful use of your apartment during your notice period. Your landlord's right to show the unit does not override that right. You can keep your apartment locked, require the landlord to use a key rather than asking you to open the door, and refuse entry that violates your state's rules.

Some tenants find it helpful to keep the apartment clean and organized during showings to avoid disputes about condition later. Others prefer to make showings inconvenient by scheduling their own activities during the time windows. Both approaches are legal. The goal is to know your rights so you can decide what works for your situation without being pressured or surprised.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my landlord show my apartment if I have not given notice to vacate yet?

No, not in most states. A landlord can only show an occupied apartment after the tenant has given notice to vacate or the landlord has given notice to terminate the lease. If your landlord is trying to show your apartment and you have not given notice, you can refuse entry and report the violation to your local housing authority.

What if my landlord shows the apartment without giving me notice?

That is an illegal entry in most states. Document the date and time, and send your landlord a written message stating that entry was made without proper notice. If it happens more than once, contact your local tenant rights organization or file a complaint with your city or county housing enforcement office.

Can I refuse to let my landlord show the apartment at all?

It depends on your state. Some states give tenants an explicit right to refuse showings. Others allow landlords to show with proper notice. Check your state's tenant handbook or contact your local housing authority to learn your rights. Even in states where landlords can show, you can refuse entry that violates notice requirements or happens at unreasonable times.

Do I have to clean my apartment for showings?

No. You have the right to live in the apartment as you normally would during your notice period. Your landlord cannot require you to keep it in showing condition. That said, a clean apartment may make showings faster and less disruptive to your routine.

Can my landlord charge me for damage caused during a showing?

Your landlord is responsible for any damage caused by prospective tenants or the landlord during a showing. If something is broken or stolen during a showing, document it with photos and a written message to your landlord. Do not pay for damage you did not cause. If your landlord tries to deduct it from your security deposit, you can dispute it in writing or file a complaint with your housing authority.