Entry & privacy
Can my landlord enter without permission?
Outside genuine emergencies, no. Most states require advance notice (commonly 24-48 hours) and entry at reasonable times - and a lease clause claiming 'entry any time' is generally unenforceable where notice laws exist.
You rent the home; the landlord owns it - and the law resolves that tension with notice requirements. Emergencies (fire, burst pipe, gas leak) are the exception. Repairs, inspections, and showings are not emergencies.
If unannounced entries keep happening, keep a dated log and send a written request to follow the notice law. A documented pattern of illegal entry violates your right to quiet enjoyment and supports real remedies.
The details vary by state. See your state's exact entry-notice rule →
Do something about it
The Tenant rights by state turns this answer into action.
General educational information, not legal advice. Laws vary by state and city and change over time - for a specific situation, contact a local tenant-rights organization.