California rental housing regulations continue to evolve, and several California rental law changes in 2026 will directly impact day-to-day property management operations and services for rental property owners across the South Bay, Redondo Beach, Torrance, and Long Beach. Recent guidance from the California Apartment Association (CAA) highlights compliance updates that property owners should begin planning for now, particularly around security deposits, appliance requirements, and responsibilities following declared disasters.
Understanding these changes early allows owners to budget appropriately, update procedures, and avoid unnecessary compliance issues.
Updated Rules for Security Deposit Returns
One of the most impactful changes for rental property owners involves new requirements for handling security deposit refunds under AB 414. Because security deposits affect nearly every rental transaction, these updates will touch most landlords and property management companies in some way.
The law introduces changes related to electronic refunds, updated notice requirements, and default procedures for multi-tenant households. It also allows more flexibility for owners and residents to agree on alternative refund methods, provided proper documentation is in place.
For property owners, this means reviewing current deposit return processes, updating internal procedures, and ensuring documentation aligns with the new standards, which can be supported by an experienced property management company or professional property management services.
New Appliance Requirements for Rental Units
Another notable change comes from AB 628, which adds stoves and refrigerators to California’s habitability standards. For leases entered into, amended, or extended on or after January 1, 2026, landlords and property management companies will generally be required to provide and maintain both appliances.
The impact of this law will vary. Owners who already supply and maintain stoves and refrigerators may see little operational change. Others may need to plan for appliance purchases, maintenance responsibilities, and lease updates. The law does not mandate specific appliance models, but it does require that provided appliances be in good working order. Property owners should assess their current practices and determine where adjustments may be needed.
New Responsibilities Following Declared Disasters
SB 610 introduces additional landlord obligations that apply when a state or federal disaster has been formally declared. These provisions address topics such as debris removal, hazard mitigation, tenant return rights, and rent obligations during mandatory evacuations.
Because the law includes detailed requirements and some areas of interpretation, documentation and recordkeeping will be especially important for property owners and property management companies. Owners should be aware that these obligations apply only under officially declared disaster conditions, but preparation and understanding ahead of time can help reduce confusion during high-stress situations.
Additional Changes Owners Should Be Aware Of
Other updates discussed by CAA include a requirement for landlords to allow tenants to opt out of certain bulk internet service arrangements, changes to unlawful detainer procedures taking effect in future years, and updates to state rent control disclosures. CAA has released updated forms and guidance materials reflecting these changes.
Planning Ahead for Compliance
While the volume of new housing laws can feel overwhelming, most compliance challenges can be managed with early planning, clear procedures, and proper documentation. Reviewing lease language, maintenance standards, and administrative workflows now can help property owners avoid rushed decisions later.
At Jamico Properties, we closely monitor regulatory updates and help property owners adapt their operations to meet new requirements while protecting long-term asset value. Our role is to simplify compliance, keep owners informed, and ensure properties are managed consistently as regulations evolve.
If you own rental property in California and want to understand how upcoming changes may affect your portfolio, staying informed and working with an experienced property management partner can make all the difference.