A new bill in the California Legislature seeks to end the longstanding practice of renting apartments in Los Angeles without refrigerators. Assembly Bill 628, introduced by State Assemblymember Tina McKinnor, aims to require landlords to provide both stoves and refrigerators in rental units starting January 1, 2026. This move addresses a peculiar quirk in the Southern California rental market, where tenants often have to supply their own refrigerators.
Currently, California law does not mandate that rental units include a refrigerator, leading to confusion and frustration among renters, especially those new to the area. According to LAist, many prospective tenants are surprised to find empty spaces where fridges should be, with landlords expecting renters to bring and remove their own appliances.
Assemblymember McKinnor argues that when renters are paying between $3,000 and $4,000 monthly, landlords should provide essential kitchen appliances. The bill has undergone revisions, removing a clause that required appliances to be less than 10 years old, after concerns from landlord advocates about environmental waste. Instead, the bill now requires appliances to be in good working order.
The California Apartment Association has advocated for exemptions for certain properties, such as single-room occupancy units and assisted living facilities, which often have communal kitchens. Despite some landlords already providing these appliances, renter advocates argue that making tenants buy and maintain basic kitchen appliances is unfair and adds financial strain.
If passed, this bill would mark a significant change in rental housing standards in Los Angeles, potentially influencing similar legislation in other regions.
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