Starting in 2026, California renters will no longer have to lug a mini-fridge up three flights of stairs or scramble to buy a stove before moving into a new apartment. Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a groundbreaking law that mandates all residential rental units include a working refrigerator and cooking appliance—finally ending a long-standing frustration for tenants across the state.
What the New Law Actually Says
Under Assembly Bill 764, signed by Gov. Newsom on October 8, 2025, landlords must equip every new or renewed rental unit with at least one refrigerator and one permanent cooking appliance (like a stove or range). The law takes effect on January 1, 2026, and applies to all residential leases in California—whether it’s a studio in San Francisco, a duplex in Fresno, or a suburban apartment in San Diego.
This may sound like a basic expectation, but until now, California had no statewide requirement for landlords to provide these essential kitchen appliances. Many renters—especially students, low-income families, and newcomers—have been forced to purchase or rent fridges and stoves out of pocket, adding hundreds or even thousands of dollars to their moving costs.
Why This Matters: The Hidden Burden on Renters
For years, tenants have shared stories of signing leases only to discover their “fully functional” kitchen was missing a fridge—or worse, had a broken one the landlord refused to replace. Without a refrigerator, storing groceries, medications, or even baby formula becomes a daily logistical nightmare.
“It’s not a luxury—it’s a health and safety issue,” said tenant advocate Maria Lopez of the California Renters Rights Coalition. “No one should have to choose between paying rent and buying a $400 refrigerator just to keep their food from spoiling.”
Warrantless Arrests? No—But Appliance Gaps Were Real
While this law doesn’t address warrantless arrests or immigration policy, it tackles a different kind of systemic oversight: the assumption that basic living standards are guaranteed. In many states, including California, rental units were only required to have “working plumbing” and “weatherproofing”—not actual appliances.
The new law closes that gap. And it’s not just about convenience. Public health experts note that lack of refrigeration can lead to foodborne illness, especially in hot climates like Southern California.
What Landlords Need to Know
The law includes reasonable provisions for property owners:
- Appliances must be in good working condition at move-in.
- Landlords are responsible for repairs during the tenancy.
- Existing leases signed before January 1, 2026, are grandfathered in—but once renewed, the unit must comply.
Small landlords and mom-and-pop property owners voiced concerns during legislative hearings, but lawmakers emphasized that the cost of compliance is minimal compared to the burden placed on tenants.
A National Trend?
California isn’t the first state to require appliances—New York, Oregon, and Washington have similar rules—but it is the most populous to do so comprehensively. Housing advocates hope this sparks a national conversation about what “habitable” really means in the 21st century.
