Under what condition may a landlord access a dwelling unit without consent?

A landlord may access a dwelling unit without the tenant's consent specifically in the case of an emergency. This could include situations where there is a risk of significant damage to the property, such as a fire, a severe leak, or any other condition that poses a threat to the safety or well-being of the residents. In such scenarios, immediate access is necessary to prevent harm or mitigate damage.

The requirement for consent generally protects the privacy rights of tenants, ensuring that landlords cannot enter the dwelling without a valid reason. However, emergencies create a unique situation where the need for immediate action takes precedence over obtaining consent. By law, landlords are expected to respond promptly to emergencies to fulfill their obligations to maintain safe and habitable living conditions.

Other conditions surrounding access, such as specific times or general preferences (like business hours), do not grant landlords the same level of access under non-emergency circumstances. Thus, while a landlord has to respect a tenant's privacy at other times, emergencies create an exception that allows for entry without prior consent.