New law requires California landlords to provide refrigerators and stoves to renters

On Monday, October 6, Governor Gavin Newsom signed several new laws aimed at increasing affordability for California residents. One of the new laws was Assembly Bill 628, introduced by Assemblymember Tina McKinnor of Hawthorne. As the law mandates, landlords will be required to provide tenants with operable stoves and refrigerators beginning in 2026.

California law had previously required landlords to provide tenants with “affirmative standard characteristics” for habitable dwelling units, including hot and cold running water, heating facilities, and adequate plumbing, lighting, and weatherproofing. However, operable stoves and refrigerators were not included in the requirements, which would often result in renters needing to source the amenities themselves. This extra cost, when paired with security deposits and already high rent prices, contributed to decreased affordability in the California rental market.

AB 628 requires the provided stove and refrigerator to have been purchased within the last ten years and maintained in good working order. The new law pertains to all leases entered into, amended, or extended on or after January 1, 2026.