- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Orange Today
By the People, for the People
New California Rent Laws Take Effect in 2026
Increased transparency, modernized security deposits, and appliance requirements aim to improve conditions for renters
Published on Feb. 14, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Several new California rental laws are set to take effect in 2026, including requirements for landlords to clearly disclose all mandatory fees, modernize security deposit returns, and ensure functioning kitchen appliances. These changes, signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2025, aim to increase transparency, streamline rental processes, and improve living conditions for tenants across the state.
Why it matters
These new laws represent a significant shift in how landlords operate in California, requiring greater upfront transparency, electronic payment and refund methods, and appliance maintenance. While they may create additional financial burdens for property owners, the goal is to empower renters with a clearer understanding of costs and improved living standards.
The details
Key changes include AB 747, which requires landlords to clearly disclose all mandatory fees associated with renting a property, preventing hidden charges. AB 414 modernizes the security deposit process, mandating electronic refunds when electronic payment was used. AB 628 obliges landlords to repair or replace recalled kitchen appliances within 30 days, ensuring functional kitchens for most rental properties.
- These new laws take effect on January 1, 2026.
- AB 747 on rental cost disclosure is a key date.
The players
Gavin Newsom
The Governor of California who signed these rental laws into law in 2025.
Orange County Apartment Association
An organization that highlights how the new legislation applies to all rental properties and necessitates upfront transparency regarding required fees.
What’s next
Experts anticipate further legislative efforts to address affordability and housing stability, including potential expansion of rent control measures and increased funding for rental assistance programs.
The takeaway
California renters can expect greater transparency, modernized rental processes, and improved living conditions under these new laws, which represent a significant shift in landlord-tenant dynamics across the state.
