This should be addressed in your lease. Without specifics in the lease the term "reasonable notice" comes in. What is that? Well it is up for discussion. If you are the tenant you may want to request in writing 2,4,6,24 hours notice whatever you want. If you are the landlord you should also do that in writing and come to an understanding....in Writing of course.

Wed May 14 2008, 07:06

I'm not a lawyer, so this is not legal advice. But: Check with your county or city landlord-tenant office to find out if that's been codified. Maybe it has, but in most jurisdictions there isn't a specific notice that's required.

Second, read your lease. Unless there's something in the lease that specifically contradicts local laws or regulations, then the lease is the governing document. Very often, though, a lease will simply say something like "reasonable notice" prior to entry by the owner or an agent of the owner. Sometimes, though, there will be a specific time provided--for instance, 2 hours.

Maybe more practically, that's something you should work out with the property owner. And the persuasive argument for reasonable time is: "The more notice I have, the more time I'll have to straighten things up and make the place look nice."

Recognize, though, that very often agents will call at the last minute. That happens equally to homeowners. And the more time that's required for notice, the more reluctant agents will be to show the place.

But talk to the owner, and have him/her talk to his/her agent. If the law is silent, and the lease is silent, then something in the 1-2 hour range would seem to be reasonable.

Hope that helps.

Tue May 13 2008, 16:21