Why AB 246 & AB 628 Could Spell Trouble for California Landlords

Here’s what’s unfolding in Sacramento right now—and why it matters to us right here in Redding.

AB 246 – The Social Security Eviction Loophole

What’s the Deal?

AB 246: known as the Social Security Tenant Protection Act of 2025 - proposes that renters receiving Social Security benefits can use federal delays as an affirmative defense in eviction cases for nonpayment.

If the government fails to deliver benefits on time (like an unexpected delay of more than three days), tenants could stall eviction proceedings—not just for a few days, but potentially weeks or even months, depending on benefit restoration timelines. A court stay could last up to six months, allowing tenants to delay evictions even after rent is due again.

Why That’s a Red Flag for Landlords

• Holding landlords hostage for federal administrative snafus is fundamentally unfair, especially to those who rely on rent to pay mortgages, insurance, and property upkeep.
• It shifts financial risk from the government (where it belongs) to everyday property owners—many of whom are small, local operators, not big corporations.
• Unless safeguards are in place, this could interfere with your cash flow and jeopardize the financial viability of your rental business.

In short: well-intentioned? Maybe. Wise legislation? Not so much.

AB 628 – The Appliance Mandate

What Does the Bill Demand?

AB 628 would raise California’s habitability standards by mandating that all new, renewed, or amended leases (starting Jan 1, 2026) include:

• A working stove, capable of safely generating cooking heat.
• A functioning refrigerator capable of safely storing food.

And owners must repair or replace recalled appliances within 30 days. There are exemptions, such as for communal kitchens or supportive housing.

The Landlord’s Concern:

• This adds real expense where the industry is already squeezed: soaring insurance, tighter rent caps, and rising property maintenance costs.
• Most landlords already include appliances, but not all. Imposing this as a requirement narrows flexibility and slaps on additional legal risk.
• Inevitably, many landlords will pass these costs to prospective tenants via higher rents, hurting those the laws aim to protect.

So although “appliances = basics” feels logical, putting it into law without financial support can backfire.

What Property Owners in Redding Should Know

Key Takeaways:

1. AB 246 risks leaving landlords financially vulnerable due to delays at the federal level.
2. AB 628 forces appliance requirements that may increase operational costs or push rent higher—causing strain for both owners and renters.

Here’s What You Can Do:

• Stay informed and engaged. These bills could come up for a vote soon, and your voice matters!
• Reach out to your state Senator now! Urge them to vote NO on AB 246 and AB 628.
• Prepare ahead. Review lease forms and assess potential financial risks. Authority Property Management can help simulate cost impacts.
• Support balanced solutions. For example, rather than forcing landlords to shoulder appliance costs, the state could offer grants or rebates to offset the expense.

Wrap Up: Smart Policy Is Fair to Everyone

Protecting vulnerable renters is important. But so is protecting the ability of landlords to continue offering homes affordably and safely. AB 246 and AB 628, as currently written, shift too much of the burden onto property owners, without addressing root problems like Social Security delays or rising housing costs. We need smarter, more balanced solutions—ones that help renters and support the housing providers making homes available in Redding and beyond.

Want help drafting letters to your legislator, or rethinking your lease documents for potential changes? Authority Property Management is here to help you stay compliant and protected.