New Housing Law 2026: Assembly Bill 628 - Providing Appliances for Tenants

Appliances like refrigerators and stoves tend to be expensive, especially for tenants who are
already struggling to pay the rent because they are low-income households or due to the high
cost of living. These home appliances can end up costing thousands of dollars, and it is not
feasible for some tenants to add these to their move-in costs. Despite this being the case, in
addition to the credit check fee, security deposit, renters’ insurance, and first month’s rent, some
tenants have had to purchase refrigerators and stoves when moving into a unit that does not
provide them with these appliances.

Thus, Assembly Bill 628 will now provide tenants with further protections by requiring landlords
to provide a good working refrigerator and stove. Beginning January 1st, 2026, if the landlord
does not provide these appliances, then the unit is not considered tenantable. This applies to
rental agreements entered, amended, or extended as of 1/1/26. Furthermore, AB 628 specifies
that a good working order stove must be able to safely generate the heat necessary for cooking
purposes, and a refrigerator in good working order that has the capacity to safely store food.

In the event of a recall on the refrigerator or stove by the manufacturer or a public entity, the
landlord is also required to repair or replace the appliance within 30 days of receiving the recall
notice. Although landlords are responsible for providing these working appliances, tenants do
have the opportunity to choose to bring their own refrigerator. If the tenant prefers to bring their
own refrigerator, then the tenant is responsible for maintaining their refrigerator in good working
order. If, during their tenancy, the tenant no longer prefers to keep their own refrigerator, they
may notify the landlord in writing via a 30-day notice. After the 30 days have transpired, the
landlord must provide the tenant with a refrigerator in good working order.

Some properties are exempt from AB 628, such as permanent supportive housing, a housing
facility that provides a shared communal kitchen space, a unit in a residential hotel, and a single-
room occupancy unit. If you would like further information about AB 628, please give us a call,
as we are your local fair housing agency.

CSA San Diego County is a fair housing nonprofit organization dedicated to the eradication of
discrimination in housing. If you or someone you know has faced or is facing housing
discrimination or would like to learn about fair housing rights, we encourage you to call CSA
San Diego County. Our counselors are available to assist you via phone, email, or in person. You
can contact us at (619) 444-5700, visit our website at www.c4sa.org, or visit our office at 327
Van Houten Avenue, El Cajon, CA 92020.