California landlords must now provide a stove and fridge to tenants
As of Jan. 1, 2026, California rental units must be equipped with a working stove and a refrigerator. The new law applies to leases signed, amended, renewed, or extended on or after this date. For ongoing leases, the requirement will come into effect at the time of renewal.
Landlord obligations and practices vary greatly in different countries and regions. British landlords are required to provide a cooking facility, but not a refrigerator. In Berlin, there are vague regulations regarding stoves, but they are rarely enforced.
In the U.S., only Massachusetts landlords are legally required to provide a stove, oven, and refrigerator. In Montreal, most tenants move out with their appliances. However, if tenants cannot afford to move them, they’re often left on the sidewalk, contributing to the city’s litter problem.
California law protects low-income tenants for whom purchasing appliances adds to their financial stress. Community organizations are often called upon to help these tenants acquire these essential appliances.
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