My landlord entered my apartment without notice while I was at work

California tenant here and former property manager. What your landlord did is NOT legal in California. **California Civil Code 1954 requires:** - 24 hours written notice for non-emergency entry - Entry must be during normal business hours (unless you agree otherwise) - Valid reasons: repairs, showing to prospective tenants, inspection, court order - "Looking around" is not a valid reason **What you should do:** **1. Document everything** - Save that Ring footage (make copies!) - Note the date, time, duration - List anything disturbed or missing **2. Send written notice to landlord** Send a letter (email is fine, certified mail is better) stating: - On [date] at [time], you entered my unit without required 24-hour notice - This violates California Civil Code 1954 - I require all future entries to comply with legal notice requirements Keep it factual, not emotional. **3. Know your rights if it happens again** Repeat violations can result in: - Tenant can sue for $2,000 per violation - Actual damages if anything was damaged/stolen - May be grounds to break lease **Don't:** - Change the locks (lease violation) - Stop paying rent (gives them ammo) - Get confrontational **If they retaliate or it continues:** - Contact California Department of Consumer Affairs - Consult a tenant rights attorney (many offer free consultations) - Look into local tenant's union You have strong rights as a California tenant. A single written letter usually stops this behavior. If not, escalate.