[Sacramento, CA]— Legislation by Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D - Inglewood) that would require all new residential leases in California to include a working stove and refrigerator received its final approval today. McKinnor’s AB 628 was approved on a vote of 45 to 13. The State Senate previously approved the measure on a vote of 25 to 11.
California’s rental housing affordability crisis has been exacerbated by outdated laws that do not consider basic household appliances a necessary part of a rental home. While many landlords do include a working refrigerator and stove in a residential lease, a growing number of rental properties are not, creating significant financial burdens on tenants seeking an affordable and safe place to live.
California has some of the most expensive rental costs in the nation. According to Redfin, in April 2025 the median rent in San Francisco was $3,417; the median rent in Los Angeles was $3,285; the median rent in San Diego was $3,116 and the median rent in San Jose was $3,011. Requiring a tenant to purchase their own kitchen appliances (easily in excess of $1000) beyond the over $6000 required for typical move-in costs only further exacerbates California’s housing and homelessness crisis.
“A working stove and a working refrigerator are not luxuries - they are a necessary part of modern life,” said Assemblymember Tina McKinnor. “By making these necessary appliances standard in rental homes, California can provide all of its residents with a safer, more affordable and more dignified place to call home.”
AB 628 is one of many bills by legislative Democrats this year focused on addressing the state’s affordability crisis and helping to bring down the cost of living for residents across California.
AB 628 now heads to Governor Newsom for final consideration.
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