Landlord keeps entering my apartment without notice - caught him on Ring camera 3 times this month

I rent an apartment in Austin, Texas. My landlord has entered without notice three times in the past month. I know because I have a Ring camera inside.

The first time I thought maybe it was an emergency. But looking at the footage, he just walked around, looked in my closets, and left. No repairs, nothing broken. The other two times were the same - he just seems to be "checking on things."

I've asked him to stop and he said it's "his property" and he can enter whenever he wants. I checked my lease and it says he needs to give 24 hours notice except for emergencies, but he's ignoring that.

What are my rights here? This feels like a massive invasion of privacy. Can I change the locks? Withhold rent? I really don't want to move but this is creepy.

This is a violation of your lease. Document everything. Save all the Ring footage.

In Texas, if your lease says 24 hours notice, he has to follow it. That's a binding contract. The "it's my property" excuse doesn't fly when you have a lease agreement.

Don't change the locks without permission - that could put you in breach of the lease. And definitely don't withhold rent, that's a good way to get evicted.

Real estate attorney in Texas here. Important clarification for everyone reading this thread:

Texas has NO statutory notice requirement for landlord entry. Unlike California (which mandates 24 hours by statute), Texas Property Code does NOT specify how much notice a landlord must give before entering. This is one of the biggest differences between Texas and tenant-friendly states.

HOWEVER - your lease IS a binding contract. Since your lease specifies 24 hours notice, your landlord is bound by that. He's in breach of the lease agreement, not a state statute.

Your remedies:

• Written notice: Send a formal written notice (certified mail) citing the specific lease provision requiring 24-hour notice
• Breach of contract claim: You can sue for breach of lease, though damages may be difficult to quantify
• Quiet enjoyment: Under common law, tenants have a right to "quiet enjoyment" - repeated unauthorized entries may violate this
• Potential early termination: Material breach of lease may give you grounds to terminate early

What NOT to do:

• Don't change locks without written permission (lease breach)
• Don't withhold rent (creates separate legal issues)
• Don't physically block the landlord (could escalate situation)

The key point: Your protection comes from the LEASE, not from Texas statute. This is why lease terms matter so much in Texas.

Wait what?? Texas has NO statutory notice requirement? I just moved from California where it's 24 hours by LAW (Civil Code 1954). That's wild.

So if my Texas lease doesn't mention entry notice at all, my landlord can just... walk in whenever?

@CaliforniaTenant_2024 - Yes, that's technically correct. If your Texas lease is completely silent on entry notice, you have very limited statutory protection. Texas is a very landlord-friendly state.

However:

• Most standard lease forms DO include entry notice provisions (typically 24 hours)
• The common law doctrine of "quiet enjoyment" still applies - a landlord can't harass you with constant entries
• If entries are truly egregious, it could be considered constructive eviction

For anyone moving to Texas from California: READ YOUR LEASE CAREFULLY. And if it doesn't include an entry notice clause, negotiate to add one before signing. This is critical in Texas.

Thanks for the detailed response. I'm glad my lease has the 24-hour clause then!

What should I include in the formal written notice? And if he ignores it and keeps entering, what's my next step? Do I really have to sue him? That seems expensive and I'm just trying to live in peace.

Also - is it legal for me to have the Ring camera inside the apartment? He hasn't said anything about it but I'm worried he might claim I violated something.

On the written notice: Include these elements:

• Reference to your lease (quote the exact section about 24-hour notice)
• Specific dates/times of unauthorized entries with brief description
• Clear statement that these entries violate the lease agreement
• Demand for immediate cessation of unauthorized entries
• Statement that you will pursue legal remedies if it continues

On the camera: Generally legal in Texas. You have a reasonable expectation of privacy in your own apartment. The landlord enters at his own risk of being recorded. Just make sure it's not in a bathroom or anywhere that might record guests in private situations.

Next steps if he continues: Before going straight to lawsuit:

1. Send a follow-up letter noting he received your first notice and continues to violate the lease
2. Contact legal aid or tenant advocacy groups in Austin - many offer free consultations
3. Small claims court for damages if you can quantify them
4. Consider whether the repeated violations give you grounds for early lease termination

The written notice often solves it because landlords don't want legal trouble. The camera footage is powerful evidence of breach.

Landlord here (not yours). What your landlord is doing is absolutely wrong and gives the rest of us a bad name.

I own 12 rental properties in Texas and would NEVER enter without notice except for genuine emergencies (like a water leak the neighbor reported). Looking in closets? That's creepy and unjustifiable.

Send that formal letter. Any reasonable landlord will stop immediately when they realize you know your rights and have evidence.

Professional property manager here. This landlord is exposing himself to massive liability.

Beyond the lease violation, entering a tenant's home and going through their personal belongings (like closets) could potentially be:

• Criminal trespass (if he continues after being told to stop in writing)
• Invasion of privacy tort claim
• If there's ANY taking or moving of items, even more serious criminal charges

Document EVERYTHING. Note if anything ever goes missing or is moved. Time-stamped video is gold in these cases.

I had something similar happen last year. My landlord was entering to "show the apartment" to prospective tenants even though my lease wasn't up for 6 months.

I sent a certified letter citing the lease terms. He stopped immediately. I think most landlords back down when they realize the tenant knows their rights and has documentation.

The certified mail receipt is important - proves he received it and can't claim ignorance if it continues.

Quick update: I drafted a letter based on the advice here and sent it certified mail yesterday. I cited the specific lease section and listed all three incidents with dates/times.

I also saved all the Ring footage to multiple locations (cloud backup plus external drive) just in case.

Hoping this solves it. Will update when I hear back from him.

Just want to echo what the attorney said - I learned the hard way that Texas has no statutory notice requirement. My first apartment here (moved from New York), the lease said NOTHING about entry notice. Landlord would just show up whenever.

When I complained, he literally said "show me where state law says I can't." And he was right. There's no Texas statute requiring notice.

Now I ALWAYS negotiate an entry clause before signing. Usually landlords will agree to 24-48 hours notice - they just don't include it by default because it's not required.

Good job on the letter and documentation. Keep a log going forward of:

• Any further unauthorized entries (date, time, duration)
• Any communications with the landlord about this issue
• Any retaliation attempts (sudden inspections, bogus lease violations, etc.)

Texas law DOES prohibit landlord retaliation (Sec. 92.331) so if he tries anything punitive after your letter, that's a separate violation.

Hopefully he backs off. Most do when confronted with evidence and legal knowledge.

Update: He responded via email (after signing for the letter) and apologized. Said he was "just checking on maintenance issues" but acknowledges he should have given notice.

He agreed in writing (I made sure to get this in email) that he will provide 24 hours written notice before any future entries unless there's a genuine emergency.

No entries since I sent the letter (it's been almost a week). Ring camera is staying up.

Thanks everyone for the advice - knowing my rights and having evidence made all the difference.

Great outcome! Save that email - it's an admission and a new agreement. If he violates it again, you have even stronger grounds.

Glad you stood up for your rights. More tenants need to do this.

This thread is really eye-opening. Im about to sign my first lease in Texas (just graduated from college) and the lease they gave me says NOTHING about entry notice. Just says landlord can enter for "inspections and repairs."

Should I ask them to add a 24 hour notice clause? Will they even do that?

@NewRenter_SanAntonio - Absolutely ask! Here's what I recommend:

1. Request a simple addendum that says: "Landlord agrees to provide at least 24 hours written notice before entering the premises, except in cases of emergency."
2. Most landlords will agree - it's a reasonable request and shows you're a thoughtful tenant
3. If they refuse, that's a red flag about how they'll behave during your tenancy
4. Get any agreed changes IN WRITING as a lease addendum, signed by both parties

The fact that you're asking before you sign puts you in a much stronger negotiating position than trying to change things after you've moved in.

@NewRenter_SanAntonio - Definitely ask. I've done this with my last 3 leases and only one landlord said no. That one I walked away from - found another place.

Pro tip: also ask them to add language that requires them to knock and wait before entering even when they DO give notice. My current lease says they give 24 hours notice AND must knock and wait 30 seconds before using their key.

Bookmarking this thread. About to start apartment hunting in Dallas and had no idea Texas was so different from other states on this.

Question - do the big apartment complexes (like the corporate managed ones) usually have notice clauses in their standard leases? Or is this more of an issue with individual landlords?

@DFW_Apartment_Hunter - Good question. In my experience:

• Large corporate complexes: Usually DO have notice clauses (24-48 hours is common) because they use standardized TAA (Texas Apartment Association) lease forms which include it
• Small/individual landlords: More variable - some use TAA forms, others write their own leases or use generic templates from the internet

Always read the lease carefully regardless. And even if there's a notice clause, make sure it covers ALL types of entry (inspections, repairs, showings) not just some.

So wait, I'm confused. If Texas has no notice law, how come every lease I've ever signed in Texas has a 24 hour notice clause? Is it just standard practice even tho its not requried by law?

@JustKurious_TX - Exactly right. The TAA (Texas Apartment Association) standard lease form includes a 24-hour notice provision. Since most large landlords and property managers use the TAA lease, most Texas tenants DO have notice protection through their lease even though it's not required by state law.

The issue comes up when:

• A landlord uses a non-standard lease without notice provisions
• A landlord ignores the lease provisions (like in OP's case)
• A tenant doesn't read their lease and doesn't know what it says

1 month update: No unauthorized entries since I sent that letter! He's been giving 24+ hours notice via text message whenever he needs to enter (only happened once for AC maintenance).

I think documenting everything and citing the specific lease clause really made the difference. He knows I have video evidence and know my rights.

Keeping the Ring camera up forever tho lol

This happened to me and I didn't have a lease clause about notice. My landlord said he could enter whenever and when I looked it up, he was technically right about Texas law.

I felt so violated. He would just show up to "check the air filters" or whatever excuse. Eventually I just moved when my lease was up.

I wish I had found this thread before signing that lease. Now I know to ALWAYS negotiate an entry notice clause.

@SingleMom_Plano - I'm sorry you went through that. Even without a lease clause, you may have had some options:

• If entries were frequent and harassing, it could constitute "constructive eviction" - interfering with your right to quiet enjoyment
• You might have been able to terminate the lease early due to the landlord's conduct
• Some entries (like entering while you're sleeping or in the bathroom) could cross into invasion of privacy territory

But you're absolutely right that having the lease clause makes everything much clearer and easier to enforce. Prevention is better than cure.

Just want to add some resources for Texas tenants who can't afford a lawyer:

• Texas RioGrande Legal Aid: Free legal help for low-income tenants
• Lone Star Legal Aid: Covers Houston and East Texas
• Austin Tenants Council: Tenant advocacy and counseling
• Local law school clinics: UT Law, Texas Tech Law, etc. often have housing clinics

If you're dealing with a landlord who won't respect your lease terms, these organizations can help you understand your options without charging attorney fees.

This thread is a lifesaver. Moving from San Jose to Austin for work next month. In California we're spoiled - Civil Code 1954 gives us 24 hours notice by LAW and landlords can only enter for specific reasons.

I had no idea Texas was so different. Adding "negotiate entry notice clause" to my apartment hunting checklist. Any other Texas-specific lease things I should watch out for?

@RelocatingCA_to_TX - Oh man, you're in for some culture shock. Texas is VERY landlord-friendly compared to California. A few other things to watch for:

• Security deposit: Texas has NO limit on security deposits (CA limits to 2 months). Some TX landlords ask for 2-3 months
• Repair timelines: Texas gives landlords "reasonable time" to repair issues - less strict than CA's requirements
• Late fees: Texas allows "reasonable" late fees with no cap (CA caps at certain amounts)
• Lease breaking: Early termination fees can be steep in TX - read your lease carefully

Not trying to scare you - Austin is great! Just different rules than CA.

Adding to what Marcus said earlier - there's an important nuance about the "quiet enjoyment" doctrine in Texas.

Even without a statutory notice requirement, Texas courts have held that landlords cannot engage in conduct that substantially interferes with a tenant's use and enjoyment of the property. Repeated, unannounced entries could potentially qualify.

The key word is "substantially." One or two unannounced entries probably won't meet that threshold. But a pattern of behavior (like OP's situation with 3 entries in one month) might. It's fact-specific.

This is why documentation is so important. If you ever need to argue quiet enjoyment violation, you'll need to show the pattern.

Taking real estate law at UT and we literally just covered this in class. Professor emphasized that Texas is one of the few states with NO statutory entry notice requirement.

She said its a "gap in the law" that the legislature has never addressed. Several bills have been proposed over the years to add a statutory notice requirement but none have passed.

So for now, its all about the lease. Good thread for real-world application of what we're learning!

Update: I asked for the entry notice clause like yall suggested and they agreed! Added a simple addendum that says 24 hours notice required except emergencies.

The leasing agent seemed a little surprised I asked but didn't push back at all. She even said "that's smart, not many people ask for that."

Feeling much better about signing now. Thanks for the advice!

@NewRenter_SanAntonio - Excellent! This is exactly how it should work. The landlord has nothing to lose by agreeing (they should be giving notice anyway as a courtesy), and you get contractual protection.

Make sure you keep a copy of that signed addendum with your lease documents. And congratulations on your new place!

Found this thread while researching Texas tenant rights. Wanted to share my experience:

I sent a formal demand letter to my landlord after he entered three times without the 48-hour notice required by my lease. Used certified mail like the attorney here suggested.

Landlord called me the SAME DAY the letter arrived. He was apologetic and said he "didn't realize" the lease required notice (yeah right). But hes been good about it since.

The combination of knowing the lease terms + formal written notice + evidence really does work.

Realtor here who also manages some rental properties. A few tips from the other side:

1. Most landlords WANT good tenants - we're not trying to harass anyone. Clear communication usually solves problems.
2. Put everything in writing - verbal agreements are hard to prove. Text/email create a record.
3. Be specific about what you want - "Please give me 24 hours notice" is better than "stop barging in"
4. Stay calm and professional - landlords are more responsive to polite but firm requests than angry demands

The landlord in OP's situation was clearly in the wrong. But most situations can be resolved without lawyers if both sides communicate clearly.

UGH this is happening to us right now. Landlord keeps coming by "to check on things" - no notice, no warning. My husband works nights and sleeps during the day, so the landlord has walked in on him sleeping TWICE.

Our lease doesnt have an entry clause. Based on this thread sounds like we're out of luck?

@MadWife_Midland - Not entirely out of luck. While you don't have a lease clause to point to, you still have options:

1. Request a lease amendment: Ask the landlord to add a notice requirement to your lease. Explain your husband's work schedule. Many landlords will agree when asked directly.
2. Document everything: Even without a lease clause, a pattern of disruptive entries could support a "quiet enjoyment" claim or constructive eviction argument.
3. Walking in on someone sleeping is particularly invasive - this could potentially be characterized as harassment if it continues after you ask him to stop.
4. Send a written request: Even without a lease clause, put your request for notice in writing. If he agrees (in writing), you've created a binding agreement.

Start by just asking him to give you notice, especially because of your husband's schedule. Most reasonable people will accommodate that request.

@MadWife_Midland - If you're in the Midland/Odessa area, West Texas Legal Services might be able to help. They offer free consultations for tenants dealing with problematic landlords.

Also, even if your lease doesn't require notice, you can still send a formal letter requesting that the landlord provide reasonable notice before entering. If the landlord agrees in writing, that creates a contractual obligation going forward.

Update: We sent a polite email to the landlord explaining my husband's night shift schedule and asking for 24 hours notice before entry. He actually responded really well! Said he "didn't realize" it was a problem (suure) and agreed to text us before coming by.

I made sure to respond thanking him and confirming "just to clarify, you'll give us at least 24 hours notice by text before entering" and he said "yes thats fine."

So now we have it in writing. Thanks for the advice everyone!

3 month update: Still no unauthorized entries! Landlord has been giving proper notice via text whenever he needs access. We're actually on much better terms now - I think he respects that I stood up for myself.

Lease renewal is coming up in a few months. Definitely going to make sure the 24-hour notice clause stays in the new lease.

Random question but related - if my landlord enters without notice and my dog bites him, am I liable? I have a protective German Shepherd and always worry about this.

@PetTenant_FortWorth - Complicated question. Texas dog bite law depends on whether you knew your dog could be dangerous. But the circumstances matter too.

If the landlord entered without proper notice (assuming your lease requires it), they're essentially a trespasser at that point. Liability for injuries from dogs can be different when the injured person wasn't supposed to be there.

That said, I'd recommend:

1. Making sure your landlord knows you have a protective dog
2. Putting in writing that you need notice so you can secure the dog
3. Getting renters insurance with liability coverage for dog bites

This is definitely a situation where you want to talk to a lawyer about your specific circumstances.

@PetTenant_FortWorth - From a landlord's perspective, this is exactly why we WANT to give notice! No good landlord wants to be surprised by a protective dog.

I always ask tenants to let me know if they have pets, and I text/call before any visit. It's just common sense and basic courtesy, regardless of what the law requires.

Moved to Austin last month! Quick update - found a great apartment and made sure to negotiate a 24-hour notice clause like this thread recommended. The property manager didn't hesitate to add it.

The adjustment from California tenant protections is real though. Definitely recommend any CA transplants read up on Texas law before signing anything.

Pinning this thread as a resource. It's become a great reference for Texas tenant entry rights.

Key takeaway for new readers: Texas has NO statutory notice requirement for landlord entry. Your protection comes from your lease, not state law. Always negotiate an entry notice clause before signing.

Thanks to everyone who's contributed, especially the attorneys providing clarifications.

Just want to share what happened to me as a warning. Landlord kept entering without notice, I complained verbally a few times but never put anything in writing. Then when I tried to break my lease early citing his behavior, he denied everything and I had no proof.

Ended up having to pay the early termination fee because I couldn't prove the unauthorized entries. Lesson learned: ALWAYS document in writing and get video evidence if you can.

@RenterNightmare_Conroe - This is such an important lesson. In legal disputes, especially contract disputes, documentation is everything.

Quick guide to documenting landlord entry issues:

1. Video/photos: Indoor cameras like Ring capture timestamped evidence
2. Written complaints: Always email or send certified letters - verbal complaints leave no trace
3. Keep a log: Date, time, what happened, any witnesses
4. Save responses: If landlord responds by text/email, screenshot and save
5. Backup everything: Cloud storage, external drive, email to yourself

Without documentation, it's your word against theirs. With documentation, you have leverage.

Question - what counts as an "emergency" that would let a landlord enter without notice? My landlord came in claiming he "smelled gas" but there was no gas leak. Feels like an excuse.

@LubbockMom_2023 - Generally, emergencies that justify immediate entry include:

• Water leaks/flooding
• Gas leaks (or suspected gas leaks)
• Fire or smoke
• Serious structural damage
• To prevent harm to people or property

If he genuinely thought he smelled gas, that's a reasonable emergency entry even if there was no actual leak. You want your landlord to check those things!

But if it's happening repeatedly with flimsy excuses, that's a pattern of harassment. One false alarm is understandable; five "gas leaks" that never exist is suspicious.

Thanks that makes sense. It's only happened once, so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. Just felt weird because he also walked through the whole apartment "checking for the source" when the stove is right by the front door.

20 years of renting in Texas. Can confirm - the lease is EVERYTHING. I've never had a landlord refuse to add an entry notice clause when I asked politely.

My standard ask is:

• 48 hours written notice for non-emergency entry
• Entry only during reasonable hours (8am-6pm)
• Landlord must knock and wait 30 seconds before using key

Most landlords see these as reasonable. If they refuse, I find a different place. It's a red flag about how they'll treat you.

Update from a few months ago - found a place in Dallas! The TAA lease they used already had a 24-hour notice clause built in, so I didn't have to negotiate anything.

Checked because of this thread though. Would have asked for it if it wasn't there.

End of year update! Lease renewal went great. The 24-hour notice clause is still in the new lease. Landlord has been completely respectful since I sent that initial letter back in July.

We've actually developed a good relationship. He texts me 2-3 days in advance for any visits now, even more notice than required. Goes to show that sometimes standing up for yourself actually improves the relationship.

Thanks again to everyone who helped me navigate this. This thread literally changed how I handle landlord issues.

Found this thread while doing research before signing my first Texas lease. So grateful this exists - I had no idea Texas had no statutory notice requirement!

Just signed my lease with a 24-hour notice addendum. Landlord agreed without any pushback. Feeling prepared thanks to everyone's advice here.

Tenant advocate here. Just want to mention that there's ongoing effort to get a statutory notice requirement passed in Texas. House Bill proposals come up periodically but haven't gained enough traction.

If you think Texas should have a law like California's, contact your state representative. Change happens when constituents speak up.

In the meantime, this thread is a great resource for working within the current system.

Just got my real estate license and this thread has been educational. In my training they emphasized that good landlords give notice regardless of legal requirements - it's just good business.

Surprising how many tenants don't know to ask for an entry clause. I'm going to start recommending this to all my rental clients.

ok but what if the landlord just ignores the lease clause anyway? like in OPs original situation. you can have all the lease language you want but if they dont respect it then what?

i feel like unless youre actually gonna sue them (which most ppl cant afford), they can just do whatever they want

@SkepticalK_Austin - Fair question. A few thoughts:

1. Most landlords DO respond to formal written notices - they don't want legal trouble. OP's situation is proof of this.
2. You don't always need to sue - just the credible threat of legal action often works. A letter from a lawyer (or even a well-written tenant letter citing the lease) can be powerful.
3. Small claims court is affordable - no lawyer required, filing fees are low. If you have documented damages, it's accessible.
4. Free legal resources exist - legal aid, law school clinics, tenant advocacy groups can help without cost.
5. The lease clause gives you leverage - without it, you have almost nothing. With it, you have a breach of contract claim.

You're right that enforcement requires some effort. But having the lease clause makes enforcement possible. Without it, you're truly stuck.

@SkepticalK_Austin - speaking from experience, documentation + formal letter works way more often than you'd think. Landlords don't want:

• Bad reviews online
• Complaints to property management companies or HOAs
• Reports to local housing authorities
• Any kind of legal proceeding, even small claims

The formal demand letter approach puts them on notice that you're serious. Most back down at that point.

Just signed my first Texas lease yesterday. Made sure it had an entry notice clause - thanks to this thread! The apartment complex uses the standard TAA lease which already had 24 hours notice requirement.

Also bought a Ring doorbell. Better to have documentation and not need it than need it and not have it.

This thread continues to be one of our most valuable resources for Texas tenants. Quick summary of key points for anyone just finding this:

• Texas has NO statutory landlord entry notice requirement - this is VERY different from California and many other states
• Your lease is your protection - if it requires notice, landlord must follow it as a contractual obligation
• Always negotiate an entry clause before signing a Texas lease that doesn't have one
• Document everything - cameras, written notices, certified mail
• Most landlords respond to formal written complaints - especially when you cite specific lease terms and have evidence

Thanks to OP for starting this conversation and everyone who's contributed over the past 7 months!

FINAL UPDATE - RESOLVED: Wanted to close this thread out properly since it's been so helpful to others.

It's now been 6+ months since I sent that initial demand letter, and the situation has completely turned around:

• No unauthorized entries - Landlord has given proper 24-48 hour notice every single time since July
• Better relationship - We actually get along now. He texts me well in advance for any visits
• Lease renewed - The 24-hour notice clause stayed in my new lease
• Ring camera still up - Documentation is forever

Key takeaways for anyone dealing with this in Texas:

1. Texas has NO statutory notice requirement - your lease is your protection
2. Document everything with cameras and written records
3. Send a formal letter citing your lease terms via certified mail
4. Most landlords back down when they see you know your rights
5. Standing up for yourself can actually improve the landlord-tenant relationship

Thank you to everyone who helped, especially the attorneys who clarified Texas law. This thread literally changed how I handle landlord issues and helped countless others based on the replies. You all made a real difference.