How long does a landlord have to replace a refrigerator in California?
Asked by: Mr. Jaylon Collier DDS | Last update: June 21, 2026Score: 4.5/5 (9 votes)
As of January 1, 2026, California law (AB 628) requires landlords to repair or replace broken or recalled refrigerators within 30 days of receiving notice, as they are now considered essential for habitability. If the refrigerator was provided in the lease and breaks, it must be fixed, though 30 days is standard for non-urgent repairs.
How long can a landlord let you go without a fridge?
The timeframe can vary by state, but typically landlords have 3-7 days for critical repairs and up to 30 days for non-critical repairs. Some states require action within 48-72 hours for essential appliances like refrigerators.
What is the new law in California for landlords to provide refrigerators?
AB 628 – Stove and Refrigerator – NEW Landlord Law for 2026. Effective January 1, 2026, California landlords need to provide a stove and refrigerator for their tenants. (Link to the text of the Assembly Bill here.)
How long does a landlord have to fix a refrigerator in California?
Manufacturer Recalls and the 30-Day Rule
If a landlord receives notice that a stove or refrigerator is subject to a manufacturer's recall, AB 628 requires action within 30 days. Landlords must: Repair or replace the recalled appliance. Restore compliance within the 30-day window.
What temperature is considered uninhabitable in California?
The landlord must provide a safe and code-compliant method in which all Habitable room(s) can be maintained at the maximum indoor temperature of not more than 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
California’s New Fridge Law: What Landlords Need to Know Before 2026
What is the 7 minute rule in California?
The "7-minute rule" in California is a historically used payroll practice allowing employers to round employee time punches to the nearest quarter-hour (15 minutes). Punches from 1–7 minutes are rounded down (e.g., 8:07 becomes 8:00), while 8–14 minutes are rounded up. However, this practice is increasingly unlawful in California if it fails to fully compensate employees for all time worked.
What not to say to your landlord?
Avoid telling your landlord you cannot pay rent, plan to damage or illegally alter the property, or have unauthorized roommates/pets, as these breach lease agreements. Never express hatred for past landlords, threaten them, or make confrontational demands regarding security deposits. Stick to professional, factual communication regarding repairs and payments.
How to get landlord to replace fridge?
If your appliance counts as essential appliance according to your location's laws, or is causing a serious safety or health issue, replacing it counts as an emergency. Then, your landlord must address the emergency issue within the law's given timeframe.
Does a fridge not working count as an emergency?
NON-EMERGENCY ISSUES
Here are some items that most leases consider to be a non-emergency: Non-working appliances (like a stove or fridge) Cosmetic issues like cracked drywall. A clogged garbage disposal.
What is the California code for landlords to repair appliances?
California Assembly Bill 628 (AB 628) requires landlords to provide and maintain working stoves and refrigerators in all rental units. This requirement applies to all new, amended, or renewed leases and rental agreements.
What are the new laws for landlords in California in 2026?
Starting January 1, 2026, new California landlord-tenant laws, primarily AB 628, make working refrigerators and stoves mandatory, redefining habitability standards. Other major 2026 updates include stricter, electronic-first security deposit returns (AB 414), protection against evictions caused by Social Security delays (AB 246), and stricter, mandatory fee disclosures in rental advertisements (AB 747).
What are red flags for landlords?
Key red flags for landlords when screening tenants include incomplete or fraudulent applications, a history of evictions, insufficient income, and high employment turnover. Other major warning signs are a sense of extreme urgency to move in, badmouthing previous landlords, and hesitation to undergo background or credit checks.
What is the 50/50 rule for appliances?
The 50/50 rule for appliances is a, primarily in 2026, a financial guideline stating you should replace an appliance rather than repair it if the cost of the repair is more than 50% of the price of a new, comparable unit, especially if the machine has already lasted more than 50% of its expected lifespan. This rule prevents investing in repairs for units likely to break down again soon.
What is the new refrigerator law in California?
Beginning January 1, 2026, California law (Assembly Bill 628) requires landlords to provide and maintain a working refrigerator and stove in all rental units. This law makes these appliances part of the state's habitability standards, ending the common practice of renters supplying their own, particularly in the Los Angeles area.
What qualifies as landlord negligence?
Landlord negligence occurs when a landlord fails to maintain a rental property in a safe, habitable condition, violating their duty of care and resulting in injury or property damage. It typically involves ignoring known hazards, such as broken fixtures, pest infestations, lack of heat, or failing to secure common areas.
Can a landlord charge for painting after you move out in California?
They cannot bill you for the full cost of new work. Even after a long tenancy, a landlord may deduct for painting only if it is reasonably necessary to repair tenant-caused damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, and any amount must be supported by documentation.
How long does a landlord have to fix a broken fridge in California?
Landlords have 30 days to repair or replace it once notified. 🧊 Tenants CAN choose to provide their own fridge — but it must be agreed upon in writing at lease signing. 🏨 Exemptions include permanent supportive housing, single-room occupancy units, and units with communal kitchens.
How long is food ok in the fridge without power?
Perishable food in a refrigerator is safe for up to 4 hours without power, provided the doors remain closed, according to FoodSafety.gov. After 4 hours, or if temperatures rise above 40∘F (4∘C), you must discard perishable items like meat, dairy, eggs, and leftovers.
What is the most common fridge failure?
The most common refrigerator failure is a lack of proper cooling, usually caused by dirty condenser coils, a malfunctioning evaporator fan, or a failed defrost system. These issues prevent the fridge from maintaining a cold, consistent temperature, often leading to spoiled food, excessive noise, or water leaks.
What not to say to a landlord?
Avoid informing a landlord about potential lease violations, illegal activities, or financial instability to maintain a good professional relationship and secure your tenancy. Key things to never say include admitting to unauthorized pets/roommates, declaring you cannot pay rent, or mentioning plans for disruptive activities (e.g., loud parties, illegal business).
What is Section 47 of the landlord and tenant Act?
Section 47 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987 requires that all written demands for rent or service charges must include the landlord's name and actual address (not an agent's). Failure to include this information makes the demanded sum legally "not due" until the correct information is provided, protecting tenants from valid debt claims until compliance.
Do you have to provide a fridge in a rental property in California?
Yes, as of January 1, 2026, California landlords are required to provide a working refrigerator and stove in residential rental units. Under Assembly Bill 628 (AB 628), these appliances are now considered a necessary component of habitability rather than optional amenities.
What are landlords' biggest fears?
Most landlords worry that they won't see rent, and the longer it doesn't get paid, the more hopeless the situation can feel. The best way to avoid this dilemma is to screen your tenants thoroughly. Verify that your tenant earns enough to cover the rental payment.
What are the new California landlord laws taking effect in 2026?
Effective January 1, 2026, new California landlord laws, including AB 628, mandate that landlords provide working stoves and refrigerators in most residential rental units, expanding habitability standards. Other key 2026 laws include AB 414 (electronic security deposit returns), AB 246 (protections for delayed Social Security benefits), and tighter fee disclosures under AB 747.
Can my landlord see what I'm browsing?
If you are renting a property and using the landlord's Wi-Fi network, they can see your internet activity. The same principles apply as for any other Wi-Fi network, as all your internet traffic goes through the router, which means that the landlord can see what websites you are visiting.