The California government is increasing its measures to improve housing conditions and that there are more apartments within reach of the majority. To this end, the Governor Gavin Newsom has passed a law that expands renters’ rights.
The measure is part of a series of reforms aimed at ensuring minimum standards of habitability greater protection for tenants. The government says this will reduce spending on low- and middle-income households.
The law is part of a broader package of initiatives aimed at improving affordability, including everything from free education to energy conservation programs to workplace benefits.
In October 2025, Newsom stated, “California continues to support families and consumers even as the Trump administration’s policies shut down the federal government.”
Newsom signed the bill Law AB 628 which was presented by MP Tina McKinnor and amends article 1941.1 of the Civil Code to include new mandatory elements to consider a house habitable: a stove and a refrigerator.
The law applies, which comes into force for all concluded, changed or extended rental agreements January 1, 2026Both the stove and refrigerator must have been purchased recently ten years and be in perfect condition.
“The goal is to ensure that every home has what is necessary for a decent life,” said McKinnor when presenting the project. The aim of the measure is to strengthen Responsibility the owner and guarantee that tenants have access to housing under normal conditions.
The lawmaker added that existing standards will be maintained, such as the obligation to have good condition of heating and hot water systems, safe electrical installations and clean and pest-free common areas.
It should be noted that California law previously did not require a property to have a refrigerator, as this was considered an optional service (Amenities).
AB 628 also states that homeowners must repair or replace a stove or refrigerator that is the subject of a recall by the manufacturer or a public entity within 30 days of receiving the notice.
The text of the law also sets clear boundaries as to the types of devices to which it applies and the way in which the obligation to provide these devices will be managed.
There are also exceptions if the parties involved agree when the contract is concluded, for example if the tenant decides to provide and maintain their own refrigerator or stove.
In these cases, the renter is not responsible for the maintenance of any equipment provided by the renter.
However, the obligations do not apply to the following types of housing or accommodation:
AB 628 adds to the existing list of habitability requirements that homeowners must adhere to in a home. In this way, Section 1941.1 of the Civil Code is amended, which defines the characteristics that a house must have in order not to be considered “uninhabitable”.
Before the new standard, the habitability standard already required basic features such as:
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