Are there new laws in California that landlords and rental property owners must understand?

Always.

From updated habitability requirements to enhanced documentation standards, credit reporting opportunities, and ongoing rent control regulations, property owners face increasing responsibilities when managing residential rentals.

While keeping up with legal changes can feel overwhelming, understanding these requirements is essential to reduce risk, avoid disputes, and maintain positive tenant relationships.

Here are some of the most important rental housing issues Santa Clara landlords should be aware of this year.

New Habitability Requirements: Refrigerators and Stoves

It may seem strange, but one of the most significant changes to California rental housing law involves kitchen appliances.

Beginning in 2026, California expanded habitability standards to require most residential rental properties to include a functioning refrigerator and stove or oven as part of a habitable rental unit. Previously, these appliances were often considered optional in certain rental properties. Under the updated requirements, landlords generally must provide and maintain these appliances in good working order for covered rental units. 

For Santa Clara County landlords, this means:

• Verifying that rental units include required appliances.
• Maintaining refrigerators and stoves in safe working condition.
• Promptly addressing repair requests.
• Reviewing lease language regarding appliance responsibilities.

Landlords should also maintain records of appliance inspections, repairs, and replacements to demonstrate compliance if questions arise.

New Security Deposit Documentation  

California landlords are now required to provide photographs as evidence when they’re deducting from a departing tenant’s security deposit. 

This means detailed property condition inspections are necessary before tenant occupancy and immediately after the tenancy ends. High-quality photos and videos can provide objective evidence regarding the property’s condition and help support legitimate security deposit deductions.

Best practices include:

• Taking date-stamped move-in photos of every room.
• Photographing appliances, flooring, walls, windows, and fixtures.
• Completing written move-in condition reports.
• Conducting a final move-out inspection.
• Taking comparable move-out photos from the same angles.
• Maintaining organized records of repairs and invoices.

Strong documentation practices can significantly reduce the likelihood of disputes and improve transparency throughout the security deposit process.

We have been documenting move-in and move-out inspections with photos since before the law required it. This is a standard practice that helps us protect your property and keep you compliant with the law.

Credit Reporting Programs Are Becoming More Common

California has also expanded tenant access to positive credit reporting opportunities.

Certain landlords may now be required to offer tenants the option to have qualifying rent payment history reported to participating credit reporting agencies, depending on property type and applicable legal requirements. These programs are designed to help tenants build credit through on-time rent payments.

It’s important to review current requirements carefully and determine whether you are obligated to offer tenants this benefit. For many owners, partnering with a professional property management company can simplify administration and ensure proper disclosures are provided when required.

Rent Control and Just Cause Eviction Requirements Remain Critical

Santa Clara County landlords should understand whether their properties are subject to statewide rent control, local rent stabilization programs, or applicable exemptions.

There is also the matter of just-cause evictions. In many covered properties, landlords cannot terminate a tenancy simply because a lease has expired. Once applicable occupancy thresholds have been met, landlords generally must have a legally recognized reason to terminate the tenancy. 

Given the complexity of California eviction laws, landlords should ensure all notices, documentation, and procedures comply with applicable requirements before pursuing tenancy termination.

Contact us before you evict.

How Can Professional Property Management in Santa Clara Help?

With California’s regulatory environment becoming increasingly complex, many Santa Clara County landlords are turning to professional property management for assistance.

Experienced property managers like us can help with:

• Creating compliant and enforceable leases
• Compliance monitoring
• Rent increase notices
• Tenant communication
• Move-in and move-out inspections
• Security deposit documentation
• Fair housing procedures
• Maintenance coordination
• Credit reporting

Professional oversight can reduce administrative burdens while helping owners stay current with evolving legal requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do California landlords now have to provide a refrigerator?

A: In most covered residential rental properties, yes. Recent habitability updates generally require landlords to provide and maintain a functioning refrigerator and stove or oven.

Q: Why are move-in and move-out photos important?

A: Photos help document property condition, support security deposit deductions, and reduce disputes regarding damage versus normal wear and tear.

Q: Are all Santa Clara County rentals subject to rent control?

A: No. Some properties may be exempt from statewide rent caps or subject to different local regulations. Owners should verify the rules that apply to their specific property. 

Q: What is a just cause eviction?

A: A just cause eviction requires a legally recognized reason for terminating a tenancy when applicable state protections apply. Examples may include lease violations, nonpayment of rent, or certain no-fault circumstances. 

Q: How can landlords reduce compliance risk?

A: Maintaining accurate records, documenting inspections, following fair housing practices, staying informed about legal updates, and working with experienced property management professionals can all help reduce risk.

California rental housing regulations continue to change, and staying informed is essential for protecting your investment. This year, Santa Clara County landlords should pay particular attention to new refrigerator and stove requirements, enhanced security deposit documentation practices, and credit reporting obligations. Don’t forget about rent control regulations, just cause eviction requirements, and fair housing compliance, and always watch for changes.

Landlords who prioritize education, documentation, and proactive management tend to avoid disputes, maintain positive tenant relationships, and protect their rental property’s long-term value.

We can help. If you have any questions about California’s strict tenant protections and rental laws, please contact us at Golden State Property Management. We provide expertise and support to investors and property owners throughout Santa Clara County.