What must a landlord provide before entering a tenant's unit?

Prior to entering a tenant's unit, a landlord is required to give proper notice, which is typically 24 hours in advance. This notice is meant to ensure that the tenant has adequate time to prepare for the landlord's presence in their unit, maintaining their right to privacy and enabling them to be present during the entry if they choose. The requirement for advance notice is designed to foster a respectful landlord-tenant relationship and protect the tenant's rights under the law.

Immediate access without notice is generally not permissible as it infringes upon the tenant's privacy rights. Providing a key to the unit is not a standard requirement for entry; rather, the landlord should have access through established practices rather than through transferring keys. Verification of identity is also not a standard prerequisite for landlords to enter a unit, although landlords should be mindful of their responsibilities when entering for specific purposes. Overall, the emphasis on proper notice reflects the balance that property laws seek to achieve between the rights of landlords to maintain their properties and the rights of tenants to enjoy their living spaces without unnecessary intrusion.