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When moving into a new apartment, having basic appliances like a stove and refrigerator is essential for daily life. Without them, cooking meals or storing food safely becomes difficult, adding unnecessary stress for tenants. Recognizing this, California has introduced a new law to ensure rental units meet these basic living standards.
As explained by the LA Times, the Assembly Bill 628, mandates that all rental units in California include a working stove and refrigerator. These appliances are now considered essential for a unit to be legally habitable. Landlords must provide and maintain them in good working order for all new, renewed, or amended leases.
According to the new law, If either appliance is missing or not functioning, the unit is considered uninhabitable. Tenants can also agree in writing to use their own refrigerator, but if it fails or is recalled, the landlord must repair or replace it within 30 days.
The law does not apply to units with shared kitchens, permanent supportive housing, or certain specialized living arrangements such as assisted living facilities. The law will be effective starting January 1, 2026.