California rental laws continue to evolve, and staying informed is more important than ever for property owners. One of the most recent changes is Assembly Bill 628 (AB 628), approved by Governor Gavin Newsom on October 6, 2025. This new law updates California’s habitability standards and will impact how certain rental units are equipped moving forward.

If you own or manage residential rental property in California, here’s a straightforward breakdown of what AB 628 means for you—and what steps you should take now to prepare.

What Is Assembly Bill 628?

AB 628 (Chapter 342, Statutes of 2025) amends California Civil Code Section 1941.1, which outlines the minimum conditions required for a rental unit to be considered habitable.

Historically, California law required rental units to meet basic health and safety standards but did not explicitly require landlords to provide major kitchen appliances such as stoves or refrigerators. AB 628 changes that.

Beginning in 2026, certain appliances will now be considered part of a rental unit’s basic habitability requirements.
 

New Habitability Requirements Under AB 628

Under AB 628, landlords must provide and maintain the following appliances in good working order:

Stove Requirement

The stove must be capable of safely generating heat for cooking. This requirement applies regardless of whether the appliance is gas or electric.

Refrigerator Requirement

The refrigerator must be capable of safely storing food and must remain operational throughout the tenancy.

These appliances are now legally considered part of a tenantable dwelling under California law.
 

Recall and Safety Obligations

AB 628 also addresses appliance safety concerns. If a stove or refrigerator provided by the landlord becomes subject to a manufacturer or government recall, the landlord must repair or replace the appliance within 30 days after receiving notice of the recall.

This makes it important for property owners and managers to keep records of appliance models and stay aware of safety notices.
 

When Does AB 628 Take Effect?

The new requirements apply to leases that are entered into, renewed, amended, or extended on or after January 1, 2026.

Existing leases that are not modified before that date are generally not affected until renewal or amendment.

Exceptions to the Law

AB 628 does not apply to all housing types. Exempt properties include:

• Permanent supportive housing
• Single-room occupancy (SRO) units with shared kitchens
• Assisted living facilities or residential hotels with communal kitchens

These exemptions recognize housing models where individual in-unit appliances may not be practical or customary.
 

Tenant-Provided Refrigerators: What’s Still Allowed

In limited situations, the law allows a landlord and tenant to mutually agree at lease signing that the tenant will provide their own refrigerator. This agreement must be clearly documented.

If the tenant later withdraws consent, the landlord must provide a refrigerator. Landlords cannot require tenants to supply their own refrigerator as a condition of tenancy.
 

How AB 628 Impacts Landlords

For many landlords, this law means adjusting long-standing practices—especially for properties where tenants historically supplied their own appliances.

Potential impacts include increased upfront costs for appliance purchases, ongoing maintenance and replacement obligations, updates to lease agreements and property standards, and greater emphasis on documentation and compliance.

While the law adds responsibility, it also creates consistency and clearer expectations across California rental housing.
 

What Landlords Should Do Now

Before January 1, 2026, landlords should begin preparing by:

• Reviewing properties to identify units without landlord-provided stoves or refrigerators
• Budgeting for appliance purchases and replacements
• Inspecting existing appliances for safety and condition
• Updating lease templates and house rules
• Tracking appliance models, warranties, and recall notices

Working with a licensed property management company can significantly reduce compliance risk and administrative burden.
 

How Professional Property Management Helps

Staying compliant with California’s changing rental laws requires time, experience, and constant monitoring. Professional property management helps by keeping leases and policies legally up to date, managing appliance installation, repairs, and recalls, reducing exposure to habitability claims, and protecting long-term property value and rental income.
 

Final Thoughts

AB 628 represents another step in California’s ongoing expansion of tenant habitability standards. While it introduces new obligations for landlords, early preparation and proper management can make the transition smooth and manageable.

If you have questions about how AB 628 affects your rental property—or want help preparing before the law takes effect—working with experienced professionals can save time, money, and stress.

Staying informed is no longer optional. It’s part of responsible property ownership in California.

The post California Assembly Bill 628 (AB 628): What Landlords Need to Know About New Habitability Requirements appeared first on Property Management Experts, Inc. Blog.