Introduction to the Legislation
California landlords may have to pay for refrigerators and stoves in rentals. Southern California renters often have a few basic items to secure before moving into a unit. They generally need to provide first and last month’s rent along with a security deposit. Two of the less-talked about items, however, are refrigerators and stoves, which are not considered necessities by the state.
Current State of Landlord-Tenant Law
Many landlords do not offer the appliances to incoming renters, passing on the direct cost to their tenants. That arrangement may be changing in California, due to legislation being proposed in Sacramento. California law requires any building with a dwelling unit to maintain “certain characteristics in order to be tenantable.” That means landlords are on the hook for adequate heating and hot water systems. Legally, fridges and stoves are classified as amenities and considered nonessential.
Impact of the Proposed Legislation
The proposed bill, Assembly Bill 628, would put landlords in charge of buying and repairing the appliances. Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Hawthorne), whose 61st District covers communities from Inglewood to Marina del Rey, introduced AB 628 to make refrigerators and stoves required appliances, not amenities. If passed, landlords would have to provide them starting Jan. 1, 2026. “We know that people are really struggling out there with the high cost of food, gas, household goods, and on top of that, lots of people spend more than half their income on rent,” she said.
Financial Implications for Renters
The average monthly rent in the city of Los Angeles is $2,347, higher than the national average of $1,995, according to Zillow. First and last month’s rent plus a security deposit can force a new renter to have ready several thousands of dollars just to move in. And much more in wealthier parts of the county, where average rents hover near $4,000 — places like Ladera Heights and Larchmont Village. If they don’t come with a fridge, plan to fork out another $600 to $2,300 for a new one, product analysts say, or plunge into the underground fridge market for a used one.
Potential Effects on Rental Prices
In Los Angeles apartments subject to the Rent Stabilization Ordinance, landlords can only increase the rent once every 12 months by a limited percentage. There are exceptions to the RSO, though, which include single-family homes, affordable housing, luxury housing units exempted by the Los Angeles Housing Department, rentals built after Oct. 1, 1978, and units in commercial buildings that converted to housing after Oct. 1, 1978.
Conclusion
The proposed legislation aims to alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by renters in California. By requiring landlords to provide refrigerators and stoves, the bill could help reduce the upfront costs associated with renting a new unit. However, it remains to be seen whether the bill will pass and what impact it will have on the rental market.
FAQs
- Q: What is the current state of landlord-tenant law in California regarding appliances?
A: Currently, California law does not require landlords to provide refrigerators and stoves, classifying them as amenities rather than necessities. - Q: What is the proposed legislation, Assembly Bill 628?
A: Assembly Bill 628 would require landlords to provide refrigerators and stoves, making them essential appliances rather than amenities. - Q: How would the proposed legislation affect renters?
A: The legislation would help reduce the upfront costs associated with renting a new unit, as renters would no longer need to purchase or rent refrigerators and stoves. - Q: Could the proposed legislation lead to increased rental prices?
A: It is possible, but the Rent Stabilization Ordinance in Los Angeles limits the amount by which landlords can increase rent, which may mitigate any potential price hikes.
