United States · property

Can My Landlord Force Me to Bring My Own Refrigerator in California Under AB 628?

Under California Assembly Bill 628, working refrigerators and stoves are now mandatory components of legal habitability. Landlords are legally prohibited from forcing you to supply your own refrigerator as a condition of signing or renewing your lease. If your landlord is trying to pressure you into buying your own fridge, they are violating California state law.

The California Habitability Law: AB 628 and Civil Code § 1941.1

Under California state law, a rental unit must meet minimum safety and living standards to be legally considered habitable. For decades, landlords took advantage of a gray area, frequently renting out properties—particularly in Southern California—without basic kitchen appliances. Assembly Bill 628 (AB 628) closed this loophole, officially amending California Civil Code Section 1941.1 to redefine legal habitability.

Effective January 1, 2026, a landlord must provide and maintain both a working stove and a working refrigerator in covered residential rental units. This requirement applies to any lease entered into, renewed, or amended on or after that date. Crucially, the law explicitly states that a landlord cannot force you to supply your own refrigerator as a condition of your tenancy. Attempting to make a lease contingent on you bringing a fridge is a direct violation of state law.

The Only Legal Exception (And Why It Protects You)

While the law allows a tenant to choose to bring their own refrigerator, this is strictly a voluntary option. A landlord and tenant can only agree to this if the agreement is made in writing at the time of lease signing, and it must contain a highly specific, state-mandated disclosure acknowledging that you voluntarily asked to bring your own appliance.

Even if you voluntarily agree to bring your own refrigerator, the law protects your right to change your mind. Under Civil Code Section 1941.1, you have the right to provide your landlord with a 30-day written notice stating that you no longer want to use your own refrigerator. Once that notice is delivered, the landlord is legally obligated to install a working, landlord-provided refrigerator before the 30 days are up. Landlords cannot use the voluntary exception as a permanent loophole to escape their maintenance duties.

Enforcing Your Rights Against Non-Compliant Landlords

If your landlord refuses to provide a working refrigerator, they are leasing a legally 'uninhabitable' property. This gives you substantial leverage. You can report the violation to local California housing code inspectors, utilize the 'repair and deduct' remedy under Civil Code Section 1942, or potentially withhold rent. Landlords who try to bully tenants into buying expensive appliances are breaking the law and face severe penalties if they try to evict you for demanding compliance.

You do not have to fight this landlord-tenant battle alone. You can use Caunsel to research your rights under AB 628, save your landlord's texts and lease agreements securely within an active case file, or connect directly with an independent California lawyer who can write a formal demand letter to force your landlord into compliance.

Steps

• Verify that your lease was signed, renewed, or amended on or after January 1, 2026, making it subject to the new AB 628 requirements.
• Refuse to sign any lease addendum that forces you to bring your own refrigerator as a condition of renting the property.
• Send a written request (via email or certified mail) demanding the landlord provide a working refrigerator under California Civil Code § 1941.1.
• If you previously agreed to bring your own fridge but want the landlord to provide one now, submit a written 30-day notice stating you are revoking your election.
• Document everything, including the landlord's verbal demands, photos of the empty kitchen space, and a copy of your signed lease.

Common mistakes

• Accepting a verbal agreement from the landlord promising to install a refrigerator 'later' without putting it in writing in the lease.
• Believing that you have no recourse if you signed a lease agreeing to bring your own refrigerator; you can always opt back in with a 30-day notice.
• Withholding rent or using 'repair and deduct' remedies without first providing the landlord with formal written notice and a reasonable time to comply.

Questions people ask

Does AB 628 apply to leases signed before 2026?

No. The law is not retroactive. It only applies to leases entered into, renewed, or amended on or after January 1, 2026. If your old lease is still active, the rule will apply as soon as you renew or sign an amendment.

What if the landlord-provided refrigerator breaks down?

The landlord is responsible for maintaining and repairing any refrigerator they provide. If the appliance is recalled by the manufacturer, they must repair or replace it within 30 days of receiving notice.

Are there any types of housing exempt from AB 628's refrigerator rules?

Yes. The law does not apply to permanent supportive housing, shared or communal kitchen facilities (like assisted living facilities), or college dormitories.

General information only, last updated 2026-10-04. Caunsel is not a law firm and does not practise law. AI answers and this guide are not legal advice. Verify filings, deadlines, and statutes with a licensed lawyer in United States.