Can I say no to my landlord showing my apartment?

Asked by: Santos Bins  |  Last update: February 1, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (11 votes)

Yes, you can say no to showings if your landlord doesn't provide proper written notice (usually 24-48+ hours) and schedule them during reasonable business hours, but you generally must allow access if they follow the rules, as most leases require cooperation, though you can request to be present or ask for consolidated showings to minimize disruption. Refusing lawful access can lead to lease violations, but you have rights to privacy and proper procedures; always check your lease and local laws.

Can my landlord show my apartment when I am not home?

Landlords typically need to follow specific guidelines to schedule showings. In most states, they are required to provide reasonable notice—often 24 or 48 hours—before entering the unit. This allows tenants to prepare and maintain their privacy.

Can my landlord show my apartment before I move out on Reddit?

Yes, the landlord can show the apartment while you are still occupying it. Just has to provide advance notice and be within a reasonable time. A decent landlord will coordinate the best time with you.

Do I have to leave my house for a showing?

No, you do not have to leave your house for a showing. However, sellers are strongly encouraged to leave. Leaving the home allows the prospective buyer to concentrate on your home and not you.

Which of the following actions by a landlord would be illegal?

It's illegal for landlords to discriminate, harass, or retaliate against tenants, as well as to enter without proper notice (except emergencies) or conduct illegal evictions like changing locks or shutting off utilities; they must also provide habitable housing, make repairs, follow legal procedures for security deposits, and give proper notice for rent increases. Landlords cannot take "self-help" evictions or penalize tenants for exercising their rights, ensuring fair treatment and adherence to established legal processes. 

I have no lease and my landlord wants me to move out. What do I do?

43 related questions found

How to fight your landlord?

Get help for a dispute with a landlord

Find help from your state agency that addresses tenant rights. Depending on your state, you may find links to your attorney general or housing agency, your state tenant rights handbook, and more.

What is the right of refusal on a lease?

A right of first refusal stipulation in a contract, lease agreement, or other formal real estate property agreement grants its holder the first opportunity to make an offer on a property and buy it if it goes on the market.

Can my landlord make me leave for showings?

Tenants don't have to vacate the unit during showings. They have the right to stay present, but they shouldn't interfere with the process or act in a way that could scare a prospective tenant or buyer. Tenants should also make sure that the rental unit looks clean and presentable for the showing.

What is the biggest red flag in a home inspection?

The biggest home inspection red flags involve costly structural, water, electrical, and pest issues, including foundation cracks, sloping floors, major water intrusion (roof/basement), active leaks, outdated/unsafe electrical systems (knob & tube, aluminum wiring, overloaded panels), and pest infestations (termites, rodents), as these threaten safety and incur significant repair bills. Fresh paint, strong odors, and improper grading are also major warnings, often masking deeper problems. 

What is the 6 month rule for property?

The "6-month rule" in property generally refers to a guideline from mortgage lenders (especially in the UK) requiring you to own a property for at least six months before taking out a new mortgage or refinancing, preventing quick flips, fraud, and ensuring financial stability, with the period starting from land registry registration, not just purchase. It helps lenders control risks like "day one remortgages" (cash purchase followed by immediate mortgage application) and ensure stable home residency, affecting cash-out refinances and property sales. 

Can I say no to viewings?

Arranging viewings of an occupied property

Even if the term states they must allow viewings, your tenants can refuse access. If this happens, you cannot proceed with viewings without their permission.

What are red flags in a lease agreement?

Knowing when to walk away from a deal is crucial

Here are some red flags to watch out for when signing a lease: Unclear terms: Ensure every term in the lease is clear. Vague language can lead to misunderstandings about responsibilities and rights. Maintenance responsibilities: Check who handles repairs.

How to exit landlord's apartment look outside?

The Landlord's apartment can be exited from here by finding a node with a single table in the center, which is at the bottom end of a track and has an open doorway at the bottom. This doorway leads directly back out to the Ground Floor hallway.

Can a landlord walk around your house without permission?

No, a landlord generally cannot enter a rental property without permission, except in specific situations like a true emergency (fire, flood, gas leak), if the tenant has abandoned the property, or with a court order; otherwise, they must provide advance written notice (usually 24 hours) for non-emergency reasons like repairs, inspections, or showing the unit, respecting the tenant's right to privacy and quiet enjoyment. 

Can a landlord take pictures inside your apartment?

Can My Landlord Take Photos Inside My Apartment Without Permission? Generally, a landlord must get the tenant's permission before taking pictures of their personal items in a rental home. Taking unauthorized pictures could be a violation of privacy laws and is considered a form of invasive surveillance.

What would make you fail a home inspection?

Top reasons homes fail inspection

Foundation flaws such as cracks, troublesome tree roots and uneven settling or lack of steel reinforcement. An aging, damaged or deteriorating roof. Missing flashing or shingles. Damaged siding.

What are the five red flags?

Five common relationship red flags include controlling behavior, poor communication, excessive jealousy/possessiveness, disrespect for boundaries, and emotional unavailability or neglect, signaling potential toxicity, manipulation, or a lack of investment in the partnership. Recognizing these early signs, such as gaslighting, constant criticism, or isolation tactics, is crucial for healthy relationships and self-preservation.
 

What do home inspectors not look for?

While there is variation of what home inspectors look for, there are areas that are typically not covered in a standard home inspection, such as: Pest control (such as termites, carpenter ants and rodents) Swimming pools. Asbestos.

How quickly can a tenant be evicted?

A landlord can evict a tenant quickly, often within weeks, but the exact speed depends on the reason for eviction, state laws, and tenant response, starting with a written notice (e.g., 3-day for nonpayment, longer for lease violations) that gives the tenant time to comply, followed by a court filing if they don't, which can take several weeks for a hearing and judgment, leading to an order for the sheriff to remove the tenant. 

How much notice does a landlord have to give?

A landlord's required notice period varies significantly by location and lease type, but generally ranges from 30 to 60 days for ending month-to-month tenancies, with shorter times (like 3-10 days) for lease violations or non-payment of rent, and often no notice needed for fixed-term leases ending on their stated date, though specific state/local laws and lease terms always dictate the exact amount. 

What is the 72 hour first right of refusal?

The seller will keep the property on the market but accept a contingent offer, providing buyers with a 72-hour (negotiable) first-right-of-refusal notice to perform in the event seller receives a better offer. 2. The seller will take the property off the market and wait for the buyer to sell the buyer's existing home. ...

Do tenants have a right of first refusal?

Standard Clauses favoring the tenant for use in a California commercial lease in which the landlord grants the tenant a right of first refusal (ROFR) to purchase the real property where the premises are located.

What is refuse when renting?

Landlords have the right to refuse to rent to tenants, but their reasons for doing so must be legally valid. Acceptable grounds for refusal can include poor credit history, a record of nonpayment of rent, or violations of occupancy limits.

What not to say to a landlord?

When talking to a landlord, avoid lying, badmouthing previous landlords, mentioning illegal activities, promising unrealistic payments (like cash or future crypto), or making excessive demands, as it signals you might be a problematic or unreliable tenant; instead, be honest about your ability to pay and respect lease terms to build trust and a positive relationship. 

How much can I sue my landlord for emotional distress?

You can sue your landlord for emotional distress, but the amount varies widely, from thousands for moderate issues to over $100,000 for severe cases, depending heavily on the severity, duration, impact (like lost work), and if the conduct was outrageous (Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress - IIED). Compensation covers therapy, lost wages, and pain/suffering, requiring strong documentation like medical records to prove the distress was a direct result of the landlord's severe, outrageous, or discriminatory actions, not just a breach of contract.