Notice of Entry — San Jose, CA

What this San Jose letter does

A notice of entry tells your tenant in writing when you intend to enter the unit and why. It is required by law before non-emergency entries and serves as the paper trail if any dispute arises about whether notice was given.

How California law applies in San Jose

California Civil Code § 1954 requires at least 24 hours' advance written notice before a landlord enters a rental unit for non-emergency purposes.

Prefer the statewide version? See the California template → · Statute last reviewed June 2026 · Compare all 50 states →

What to expect after you send it

Most tenants will accommodate a properly noticed entry. If the tenant objects, propose an alternate date in writing. Repeated objections or refusals to allow legally noticed entries may themselves be a lease violation.

Where to file in San Jose if the letter is ignored

For a San Jose dispute that escalates, the usual venue is the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara (Small Claims), serving Santa Clara County. Small-claims filings there are inexpensive and do not require a lawyer — bring this letter, proof of delivery, and your supporting documents.

Sample Notice of Entry letter — San Jose, CA

Bracketed fields are placeholders — the generator fills them from your answers and applies the correct statutory citations for your jurisdiction.

[YOUR NAME (LANDLORD / MANAGER)]
[YOUR MAILING ADDRESS]

July 24, 2026

[TENANT FULL NAME]
[TENANT ADDRESS]

Re:  Notice of Entry
     [RENTAL-UNIT ADDRESS]

Dear [TENANT FULL NAME]:

This is written notice, given pursuant to California Civil Code § 1954, which requires at least 24 hours' advance written notice, that I will enter the above rental unit on [date] between [ENTRY TIME WINDOW].

Purpose of entry: [PURPOSE OF ENTRY]

I will make reasonable efforts to be brief and to leave the unit as I found it. If the proposed date or time is materially inconvenient, please contact me promptly to arrange an alternative.

You are not required to be present, but you may attend if you wish.

Sincerely,



[YOUR NAME (LANDLORD / MANAGER)]

Download this template (Word) — free, no signup

Common mistakes to avoid in San Jose

• Giving too little notice. When in doubt, give more.
• Sending notice only by text. Send it in writing (paper or email) and keep a copy.
• Treating ordinary inspections as emergencies. Emergencies are limited to genuine threats to life or property.
• Entering outside normal business hours without explicit tenant consent.

If your letter is ignored

• Conduct the entry within the time window stated. Be brief and respectful.
• Leave the unit in the condition you found it. If you take photos, share them with the tenant.
• Document the entry: date, time, who entered, what was done.

How to generate your San Jose letter

Five steps, usually under ten minutes total.

1. Sign in or create an account. Only your email and a password are required — no card until you unlock your finished letter.
2. Click "Start my letter". On any Notice of Entry page, click the Start button. We create a draft you can come back to.
3. Fill in your facts. Names, addresses, dates, and amounts. Plain-language prompts guide every field. Save as a draft if you need to gather information.
4. Click Finalize. Traquor renders your letter with your state's statutory citations and notice periods where they apply.
5. Print or save as PDF. Your finalized letter is in a clean paper layout. Use your browser to print or save as a PDF, then mail, email, or hand-deliver.

More Landlord letters for San Jose

• Rent DemandSan Jose →
• Lease Violation NoticeSan Jose →
• Notice to QuitSan Jose →
• Lease Non-RenewalSan Jose →

All letters for San Jose →  ·  All California letters →