California renters will soon have a new guarantee: a working stove and refrigerator. A new state law, Assembly Bill 628, goes into effect January 1st, requiring landlords to provide these appliances in all apartments.
A Decades-Long Anomaly
The law addresses an unusual situation, primarily in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas, where some tenants have historically been required to purchase their own refrigerators and stoves. This practice, lasting for decades, will now be largely prohibited. Exceptions will be made for housing with communal kitchens, single-room occupancy units, and hotels.
Assemblymember Tina McKinnor, a Democrat from Inglewood, championed the legislation, stating, “A working stove and a refrigerator are not luxuries. They are a necessary part of modern life.”
Financial Relief for Renters
Advocates for tenant rights believe the law will alleviate financial burdens for low-income residents. Larry Gross, executive director of the Coalition for Economic Survival, explained that the added cost of purchasing a refrigerator – which can easily cost hundreds of dollars – is “really economically unfeasible for many tenants” on top of rent and security deposits.
Potential Challenges for Landlords
However, the new requirement isn’t without potential drawbacks. Realtor groups have expressed concern that it could lead to increased litigation, particularly for smaller landlords. Bernice Creager, a lobbyist for the California Association of Realtors, stated the law “will lead to heavier burdens on the courts and a dramatic reduction in the state’s availability of rental housing supply.”
Enforcement of the law will be handled at the local level. In Los Angeles, tenants can file complaints with the city’s housing department if a landlord fails to provide the required appliances. Tenants who choose to provide their own appliances will be responsible for their maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Assembly Bill 628 require?
Assembly Bill 628 requires all landlords in California to provide a working stove and refrigerator in every apartment, beginning January 1st.
Are there any exceptions to the new law?
Yes, the law does not apply to housing with communal kitchens, single-room occupancy units, or hotels.
What happens if a landlord doesn’t comply?
Tenants in Los Angeles can file a complaint with the city’s housing department. Enforcement will be up to local governments.
As this law takes effect, will we see a significant shift in the California rental market, and how will landlords and tenants adapt to these new requirements?
