Stoves and Refrigerators Are Now Required in Every California Rental Unit: What AB 628 Means for You
If you own rental property in California, there's a significant change you need to know about heading into 2026. Assembly Bill 628 has officially added stoves and refrigerators to the statewide habitability standard. That means every residential rental unit in California must now include a working stove and a working refrigerator, provided and maintained by the landlord.
What Changed?
Previously, California's habitability requirements covered essentials like plumbing, heating, electrical systems, and weatherproofing—but cooking appliances were not explicitly part of the statewide standard. AB 628 closes that gap. As of 2026, a stove and refrigerator are no longer optional amenities. They are legally required in every unit you rent out.
What Does This Mean for Landlords?
You are now responsible for providing, repairing, and replacing both the stove and the refrigerator in each of your rental units. If an appliance breaks down, it's on you to fix or replace it in a timely manner. If you fail to maintain these appliances, tenants may have the right to deduct repair costs directly from their rent.
There is one exception worth noting: tenants can opt out of a landlord-provided refrigerator in writing. If a tenant prefers to use their own refrigerator, they can waive that requirement. However, the stove cannot be opted out of.
Your Action Items
First, review every lease in your portfolio to make sure you are accounting for appliance responsibilities. Second, budget for appliance maintenance and eventual replacements. A proactive approach here will save you from emergency repair costs and potential legal exposure down the road.
At Landlord Solutions San Diego, we're already helping our clients update their lease agreements to reflect this new requirement. If you haven't reviewed your lease package recently, now is the time.
Need help staying compliant? Contact Landlord Solutions San Diego at (619) 259-0720 or visit www.LandlordsolutionsSD.com
