As of January 1, 2026, updated California habitability standards under AB 628 and SB 610 are officially in force, creating new compliance requirements for Los Angeles rental property owners.
Under these laws, every residential rental unit must be equipped with a working refrigerator and stove unless properly documented otherwise. These appliances are now considered part of the minimum habitability standards that landlords are required to provide and maintain.
A rental unit in Los Angeles that does not meet these requirements may be deemed uninhabitable, exposing owners to rent withholding, lease termination, or legal disputes.
AB 628 and SB 610 clarify and expand California’s habitability framework by formally including kitchen appliances as essential components of a rental unit.
As of January 1, 2026, Los Angeles landlords must:
These requirements apply to:
SB 610 establishes a clear timeline for addressing appliance issues once a landlord is notified.
When a refrigerator or stove:
The landlord has 30 days to repair or replace the appliance.
Failure to resolve the issue within this timeframe may result in:
Timely documentation and repair coordination are now essential parts of rental property management.
Under AB 628, habitability is not limited to whether an appliance currently works. Safety recalls now carry compliance implications.
Los Angeles landlords are expected to:
Even appliances that appear functional may require replacement if subject to a recall that affects tenant safety.
California law still allows tenants to supply their own refrigerator by mutual agreement, provided the arrangement is properly documented.
A valid Refrigerator Request Addendum must clearly state:
Without this written addendum, responsibility for the refrigerator defaults to the landlord under current habitability standards.
Los Angeles enforces habitability regulations more aggressively than many other jurisdictions in California. Tenant protections, city-level enforcement, and local legal precedent increase the importance of strict compliance.
Appliance-related issues are now a common basis for:
For self-managed and small-portfolio landlords, these risks are often underestimated.
Lotus Property Services helps Los Angeles landlords remain compliant with evolving habitability requirements by:
Our approach is designed to protect property owners while supporting lawful, well-maintained rental housing.
Yes. As of January 1, 2026, AB 628 and SB 610 require that rental units include a functioning refrigerator and stove unless a tenant-provided appliance is properly documented.
Yes. While lease terms may vary, landlords are required to maintain habitability throughout a tenancy. If an appliance fails or is missing, the new standards apply.
Landlords have 30 days from notice of the issue to repair or replace the appliance under SB 610.
If an installed appliance is subject to a safety recall, landlords must take corrective action—typically replacement—within the required compliance period.
Yes, but only if a written Refrigerator Request Addendum is signed. Without it, the landlord remains responsible.
While the law does not mandate a specific tracking system, maintaining records of appliance models, age, and recall status is increasingly necessary to demonstrate compliance if challenged.
Non-compliance may result in habitability claims, rent withholding, lease termination, legal disputes, or delays in eviction proceedings.
Los Angeles rental laws continue to evolve, and appliance compliance is now a core part of property management.
For landlords seeking clarity, documentation, and proactive compliance, Lotus Property Services provides support designed to reduce risk and protect rental investments.
In 2026, a properly equipped kitchen is not just a convenience—it is a legal requirement.
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