Tired of endlessly searching through online marketplaces for a refrigerator because your new apartment doesn’t come with one? Well, relief may be on the horizon. A new bill in the California Legislature is aiming to change that by requiring landlords to provide refrigerators and stoves in their rentals.
The current situation in California is a bit surprising – while existing laws mandate certain characteristics for a dwelling unit to be considered tenantable, such as heating and hot water systems, refrigerators and stoves are not included in this requirement. As a result, many renters in California, particularly in Los Angeles and Orange counties, are finding themselves in apartments without these basic amenities.
The lack of a refrigerator in a rental can be a significant inconvenience, as it often means an additional cost for the tenant. With average monthly rents in Los Angeles exceeding the national average, the prospect of having to purchase a refrigerator on top of other expenses can be daunting. New refrigerators can range from $600 to $5,000, while used options may be more affordable but come with their own set of challenges.
Assembly Bill 628, introduced by Assemblymember Tina McKinnor, seeks to address this issue by making it a requirement for landlords to provide refrigerators and stoves in good working condition by January 1, 2026. McKinnor’s motivation for the bill stems from the feedback she has received from her constituents, who are struggling to afford rent, rising grocery prices, and everyday expenses. By making these appliances a necessity, McKinnor hopes to alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by renters in California.
One of the key aspects of the bill is that landlords would be responsible for repairing or replacing appliances that break down, similar to how they handle other essential utilities like heating systems. Concerns have been raised about the potential impact of this requirement on rental prices, particularly in a city like Los Angeles where rent increases are regulated under the Rent Stabilization Ordinance.
As the debate over Assembly Bill 628 continues, one thing is clear – the provision of basic amenities like refrigerators and stoves in rental properties is a crucial issue that directly impacts the lives of countless Californians. Whether this bill will ultimately pass and become law remains to be seen, but the conversation it has sparked around tenant rights and landlord responsibilities is an important one that deserves attention and consideration.
In the meantime, renters in California will have to continue navigating the rental market in search of a place to call home – fridge included.
