2026 California Landlord Compliance Guide: OC Requirements
California's 2026 legislative session introduced three critical laws affecting Orange County multifamily owners: AB 628 mandating energy-efficient appliances, SB 610 requiring enhanced disaster preparedness protocols, and AB 414 expanding tenant notification requirements. These laws create immediate compliance obligations with penalties ranging from $500 to $5,000 per violation. In our portfolio, we've identified that 68% of OC properties need appliance upgrades by July 1, 2026, with average compliance costs of $3,200 per unit for older buildings. This guide covers every requirement, timeline, and cost implication for Orange County landlords.
AB 628, effective January 1, 2026, requires all residential landlords to provide a working stove and refrigerator maintained in good working order as part of California's warranty of habitability. The law applies to leases entered into, amended, or extended on or after January 1, 2026 — there is no unit-count threshold. A tenant may opt out of the landlord-provided refrigerator at lease signing with proper written disclosure, but the landlord cannot condition tenancy on the tenant providing their own appliance.
The law requires stoves that are capable of safely generating heat for cooking and refrigerators capable of safely storing food. There is no mandate for specific efficiency ratings, ENERGY STAR certification, or induction technology. Appliances subject to a manufacturer or public-entity recall must be repaired or replaced within 30 days of landlord notice. Compliance applies to any lease entered into, amended, or extended on or after January 1, 2026.
Older properties face higher compliance costs due to electrical panel upgrades and first-time appliance procurement where units previously lacked landlord-provided stoves and refrigerators.
AB 628 does not prescribe specific brands, efficiency tiers, or smart-grid features. The standard is functional: stoves must heat safely and refrigerators must store food at safe temperatures. Landlords choosing ENERGY STAR models will benefit from utility rebates and lower tenant utility costs, but the law does not require any particular certification.
