By Nadia Lathan, CalMatters
Starting January 1, a new law in California will change the rental landscape. All apartments must now come with a working stove and refrigerator. This marks the end of a strange trend where tenants, especially in Los Angeles, had to buy their own appliances after signing a lease.
This law, known as Assembly Bill 628, is part of a wider effort to make housing more livable. Assemblymember Tina McKinnor emphasized that “a working stove and a refrigerator are not luxuries; they are essential.”
A report from the Los Angeles Times found that California has the fewest apartments with refrigerators in the U.S. This issue is mostly found in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas, but the reasons behind this trend remain unclear.
Previously, state law only mandated plumbing and heating in rentals. Now, landlords must include essential appliances unless the property has communal kitchens or falls into specific categories like single-room occupancy units or hotels.
Tenant advocacy groups see this law as a win for low-income residents. Buying a fridge can cost hundreds of dollars—a significant expense for anyone just moving in. Larry Gross, who leads the Coalition for Economic Survival, pointed out how these added costs can make it tough for families.
However, not everyone is pleased. Realtor groups worry that the law will create more legal issues, especially for small landlords. Bernice Creager from the California Association of Realtors mentioned potential increases in court cases and a dip in rental homes as landlords may rethink their offerings.
Enforcement will fall to local governments. In Los Angeles, for instance, tenants can file complaints if their landlords refuse to comply with the law. While renters can still provide their appliances, they would be responsible for maintenance.
This change reflects a growing awareness of tenant rights. As housing costs continue to rise, ensuring basic living conditions is becoming a priority. In fact, according to a recent survey by Pew Research, about 60% of Californians believe affordable housing is a major issue. Laws like AB 628 could play a pivotal role in addressing such concerns, making basic appliances a standard part of rental agreements.
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Housing,Los Angeles,Orange County
