2026: What Is in Effect Right Now
Several significant California tenant protection laws passed in 2024 and 2025 are now fully active. Here is what California renters need to know today — not in a future session, but in their current lease and any notice they receive this year.
No More Junk Fees — Mandatory Disclosure Law (2026)
Beginning January 1, 2026, California landlords must include all mandatory fees in the advertised rent price upfront. Any recurring charge — trash, parking, amenity fees, administrative costs — must be disclosed before you sign. Optional services must be clearly labeled as optional. This was passed in response to landlords advertising artificially low base rents and then layering on mandatory fees totaling hundreds of dollars monthly that tenants only discovered after signing.
Stove and Refrigerator Now a Habitability Requirement (2026)
California’s implied warranty of habitability now explicitly requires landlords to provide a working stove and refrigerator in most residential rental units as of 2026. Previously this was often left to lease negotiation. If your landlord fails to provide or maintain working appliances, your remedies are the same as for any other habitability violation: written notice, code enforcement complaint, repair-and-deduct (up to one month’s rent), and in severe cases, rent withholding or a lawsuit for damages. Some shared housing and exempt unit types may be excluded — contact local legal aid if unsure.
Internet Provider Rights — AB 1414 (2025)
California landlords cannot require tenants to use a specific internet service provider. Under AB 1414, if a landlord charges you for a mandatory ISP subscription, you may deduct the cost from your rent. Bulk internet packages may still be offered — but you must have the choice to decline. Landlords cannot retaliate against you for exercising your opt-out right.
Rent Reporting — AB 2747
Landlords must now offer tenants the option to have positive rent payments reported to at least one nationwide credit bureau. You can opt in or out. If you request the service, landlords may charge a maximum of $10 per month. This is particularly valuable for renters building credit history without taking on debt.
Current AB 1482 Rent Cap (August 2025 – July 2026)
The AB 1482 rent cap runs August 1 to July 31. For the current cycle, the maximum allowable increase is 5% plus local CPI. Approximate county totals for the current cycle:
- Alameda County (Oakland, Berkeley): approximately 6.3%
- Los Angeles County: approximately 6.9%
- San Diego County: approximately 7.0%
- Sacramento County: approximately 7.2%
Any increase above the applicable cap for covered units is illegal. If your landlord raised rent above these figures since August 2025, dispute it in writing immediately. Verify your coverage at tenantprotections.org.
Security Deposit Photos — AB 2801 (In Effect Since April 2025)
Landlords must take timestamped photographs of your unit before move-in, at move-out before any cleaning or repairs, and after any work they intend to charge you for. Failure to comply forfeits the right to deductions. If your landlord withheld any portion of your deposit since April 2025 without providing the required photos, you have grounds to challenge the entire deduction.
10-Day Eviction Response Window — AB 2347 (Since January 2025)
You now have 10 business days to file a written response after being served with an Unlawful Detainer summons — doubled from the previous 5-day deadline. Missing this window still results in automatic default judgment. If you have been served, seek legal help the same day.