California housing law continues to evolve, and one of the most important changes taking effect in 2026 directly impacts what landlords must provide inside rental units. Assembly Bill 628, commonly referred to as AB 628, formally requires that most residential rental properties include a working stove and a working refrigerator as part of basic habitability.
While many tenants assume these appliances are already required, that was not always legally clear. AB 628 removes ambiguity and makes appliance access part of the minimum standard for safe and livable housing.
This guide explains what AB 628 requires, how it fits into California habitability law, and what tenants and landlords should do before the 2026 deadline.
AB 628 is a California law that expands the definition of a habitable rental unit by explicitly requiring landlords to provide essential kitchen appliances.
Beginning January 1, 2026, most residential rental units must include a functioning stove or cooktop and a functioning refrigerator. These appliances must be present at the start of the tenancy and maintained in working condition throughout the lease.
AB 628 does not replace the Implied Warranty of Habitability. It builds on it by clarifying that food preparation and food storage are basic necessities, not optional amenities.
Before AB 628, California habitability law focused primarily on structural safety, utilities, and sanitation. Appliances were often treated as negotiable lease items.
As of 2026, a rental unit without a stove or refrigerator may be considered legally uninhabitable. Habitability claims can arise even if the lease attempts to shift responsibility to the tenant. Courts and code enforcement agencies can treat missing appliances as a health and safety violation.
This change aligns housing law with modern expectations of what is necessary for daily living.
AB 628 requires landlords to supply one working stove or cooktop suitable for food preparation and one working refrigerator capable of safely storing perishable food.
The appliances must be operational, properly installed, safe to use, and maintained throughout the tenancy. If an appliance breaks due to normal wear and tear, the landlord is responsible for repair or replacement within a reasonable time.
The law applies to most residential rental properties, including apartments and multi unit buildings, single family rental homes, duplexes and triplexes, and condominiums used as rentals.
Some limited exceptions may apply, but landlords cannot rely on lease language alone to avoid compliance. Habitability rights generally cannot be waived by agreement.
AB 628 does not require luxury or high end appliances. It does not mandate brand new appliances in every unit. It also does not require additional kitchen amenities such as dishwashers or microwaves.
The focus is functionality rather than appearance. However, repeated breakdowns or unsafe appliances may still violate habitability standards.
Landlords must keep appliances in working order, respond promptly to repair requests, replace appliances that cannot be repaired, and comply with applicable building and safety codes.
Ignoring appliance failures or delaying repairs can expose landlords to habitability claims, rent disputes, and enforcement actions.
Tenants are expected to use appliances properly and reasonably, notify the landlord when repairs are needed, and avoid damaging appliances through misuse.
If an appliance is damaged due to tenant negligence, the landlord may not be responsible for replacement. However, the landlord bears the burden of proving tenant fault.
If a landlord fails to provide or maintain required appliances, tenants may have legal options. These may include submitting written repair requests, documenting conditions with photos and records, reporting violations to local code enforcement, seeking rent reductions or reimbursement, and pursuing legal claims for habitability violations.
Tenants should proceed carefully and document all communications, as improper actions can complicate claims.
California law prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants who assert their habitability rights.
Retaliation may include eviction threats, rent increases, reduced services, or harassment after a tenant requests repairs or contacts authorities.
In 2026, anti-retaliation protections are being enforced more strictly, particularly in Los Angeles and surrounding jurisdictions.
Appliance related disputes may escalate when appliances are missing entirely, repairs are repeatedly delayed, temporary fixes fail, the landlord refuses to comply with AB 628, or the lack of appliances affects health, finances, or daily living.
Tenants may be entitled to compensation for reduced rental value, food loss, relocation costs, or other damages depending on the circumstances.
AB 628 adds clarity, but enforcement still depends on proper documentation and legal strategy.
The Law Offices of Katherine Cohan, APLC represents tenants across California in habitability disputes involving unsafe living conditions, mold, pests, water damage, and required appliances under AB 628. The firm helps clients understand their rights, evaluate violations, and pursue appropriate remedies.
Consultations are offered as a Free Assessment, with no upfront fees.
As California approached the 2026 deadline, both tenants and landlords should understand how AB 628 affects rental housing obligations.
If your rental unit lacks a required stove or refrigerator, or if your landlord refuses to repair or replace essential appliances, contact The Law Offices of Katherine Cohan, APLC to discuss your situation and learn what legal options may be available.
