New California Rental Laws for 2026 Require Changes for Housing Providers

Overview

AB 628 expands California’s definition of a “habitable” rental unit by requiring landlords to provide a working stove and refrigerator under qualifying circumstances beginning January 1, 2026.

When & How This Law Applies

AB 628 applies when a landlord:

• Enters into a new lease

• Issues a lease renewal

• Serves a written lease amendment or change of terms

on or after January 1, 2026.

What this means for landlords:

• Units must include a functioning stove and refrigerator, unless an exemption applies.

• Month-to-month tenancies are not automatically affected on January 1, 2026 — but any change of terms after that date may trigger compliance.

• Once provided, appliances are considered landlord-supplied, making the landlord responsible for repair or replacement due to normal use.

• Tenant-provided refrigerators are allowed only if clearly agreed to in writing and compliant with the statute.

Certain housing types, including permanent supportive housing and units with shared kitchens, are exempt.

Please read the AAOC 's AB 628 FAQs

Sources:
AB 628 – CA Legislative Info: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB628 |

AB 628 – Appliances Checklist

☐ Identify units without landlord-supplied stoves or refrigerators
☐ Budget for installation or replacement
☐ Update lease language for tenant-supplied appliances
☐ Train staff on repair responsibilities
☐ Confirm exemptions where applicable

Overview

AB 414 modernizes California’s security deposit process by requiring electronic return of deposits when electronic payment methods were used during the tenancy.

When & How This Law Applies

AB 414 applies at move-out, when a landlord returns a security deposit.

What this means for landlords:

• If rent or deposits were paid electronically, the remaining deposit must generally be returned electronically.

• Tenants must receive notice of their right to electronic deposit return.

• Alternative methods (paper check, mailed statements, email delivery) are allowed only with written agreement.

• The law clarifies procedures for multi-tenant households.

AB 414 does not change:

• The 21-day deadline

• What deductions are permitted

• The requirement to provide an itemized statement

AB 414 – Security Deposits Checklist

☐ Identify tenants who paid electronically
☐ Update move-out notices with electronic refund rights
☐ Add written agreements for alternative refund methods
☐ Confirm accounting systems support electronic refunds
☐ Review multi-tenant refund procedures

Please Read AAOC's 414 FAQs

Sources: AB 414 – CA Legislative Info: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB414 

Overview

AB 1414 addresses tenant screening data and cyber security risks, particularly in response to growing concerns about ransomware and third-party screening services.

When & How This Law Applies

AB 1414 applies when landlords or property managers:

• Use consumer reporting agencies

• Rely on third-party tenant screening services

• Collect or store applicant data electronically

What this means for landlords:

• Rental housing providers must understand how applicant data is collected, stored, and protected.

• Increased responsibility to ensure screening vendors maintain reasonable security procedures.

• Greater scrutiny over how adverse action notices and screening decisions are handled.

• Encourages proactive review of vendor agreements and internal data-handling practices.

This law reinforces transparency and accountability when applicant data is compromised or misused.

AB 1414 – Tenant Screening & Data Security Checklist

☐ Review tenant screening vendors
☐ Confirm data security and breach protocols
☐ Update adverse action procedures
☐ Train staff on handling applicant data
☐ Review vendor contracts for compliance

Please read AAOC's 1414 FAQs

Sources: AB 1414 – CA Senate Judiciary Analysis: https://sjud.senate.ca.gov/system/files/2025-06/ab-1414-ransom-sjud-analysis.pdf 

Overview

AB 747 strengthens fee transparency by requiring clearer disclosure of mandatory fees and charges associated with renting a unit.

When & How This Law Applies

AB 747 applies when landlords:

• Advertise rental units

• Quote rent amounts

• Charge mandatory recurring fees

What this means for landlords:

• Mandatory fees must be clearly disclosed upfront, not buried later in the leasing process.

• Advertised rent must accurately reflect required costs tenants must pay.

• Helps prevent misleading pricing practices and improves consumer clarity.

• Requires coordination between marketing, leasing, and management teams.

AB 747 aligns rental housing practices with broader consumer protection and pricing transparency laws.

AB 747 – Fee Transparency Checklist

☐ Audit all mandatory fees
☐ Update rental advertisements and listings
☐ Ensure rent quotes include required charges
☐ Train leasing teams on disclosure rules
☐ Review marketing templates

Please read AAOC's 747 FAQs

Source: AB 747 – CA Legislative Info: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB747