What is a valid reason for a tenant to deny a landlord access to the property?

A tenant has the right to deny a landlord access to the property if the landlord fails to provide proper notice before intending to show the property. Most rental agreements and tenant laws stipulate that landlords must give tenants reasonable notice before entering the premises, typically 24 hours, especially for non-emergency situations. When this notice is not provided, the tenant is within their rights to refuse entry, as violation of the notice requirement undermines the tenant's privacy and security.

While it may seem that other options could also justify denying access, they do not consistently fall under the same legal protections. For example, renovations in the property might actually warrant entry if proper notice has been provided. Similarly, not being listed on the lease might imply a lack of rights but does not automatically confer a denial of access if there are legal grounds for the landlord’s action. Lastly, needing more time to prepare may be a personal preference but does not constitute a legitimate reason for refusing access as long as the landlord meets the legal requirements for notice.