California landlords have a new compliance deadline on the horizon. Beginning January 1, 2026, AB 628 changes the state’s definition of “habitability” to include working stoves and refrigerators in rental units. That means landlords will soon be required to provide and maintain both appliances, not just for new tenants but also for many existing residents once a lease is renewed, extended, or amended. At first glance, this new requirement might seem straightforward, but it can quickly become a compliance trap if you are not prepared ahead of renewal season. As a property management partner that helps owners navigate California’s evolving rental laws, we have broken down what AB 628 requires and how landlords can prepare now to stay compliant in 2026.

SB 610, effective in 2025, establishes new requirements for California landlords on how to handle rent obligations, habitability, and tenant protections when a rental unit is damaged or becomes uninhabitable after a declared natural disaster. Below, we break down what this legislation means in practical terms and how landlords can stay compliant while protecting their assets.

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