What California Landlord Laws Apply in Long Beach in 2026?
Published April 3, 2026 | Reading Time: 14 minutes
California landlords face major new laws in 2026: AB 628 requires working stoves and refrigerators in all rentals, AB 414 mandates electronic security deposit returns, SB 610 adds post-disaster tenant protections, and AB 2493 overhauls the tenant screening process. Long Beach property owners also need to follow local just cause eviction and relocation assistance rules that go beyond state requirements.
- 2026 California Law Overview for Landlords
- AB 628: Stove and Refrigerator Requirements
- AB 414: Electronic Security Deposit Returns
- AB 1482: Rent Cap Update for Long Beach
- Just Cause Eviction Updates
- AB 2493: Tenant Screening Changes
- SB 610: Post-Disaster Landlord Obligations
- Long Beach Local Ordinances
- 2026 Compliance Checklist
- How RPM Southland Keeps You Compliant
- Frequently Asked Questions
Every year Sacramento passes new landlord-tenant legislation, and every year we get calls from Long Beach property owners asking the same question: “What changed, and do I need to worry about it?”
This year, the answer is yes, you absolutely need to pay attention. The 2026 legislative cycle introduced several laws that directly affect how you manage, maintain, and lease your rental properties in Long Beach and across Los Angeles County.
We manage over 730 properties between Long Beach, Lakewood, Signal Hill, Downey, Cerritos, and the surrounding communities. That means our team deals with these regulations across hundreds of leases every single month. We track the changes so our owners do not have to scramble. This guide breaks down every new law that matters to you, how Long Beach’s local rules add extra requirements on top of state law, and exactly what you need to do before your next lease renewal.
Not sure if your properties are compliant? We do free compliance reviews for Long Beach rental owners.
Call us at (562) 270-1777 or request a free rental analysis online.
2026 California Law Overview for Landlords
Before we get into the details, here is a quick summary of the bills that took effect on January 1, 2026. Each one is covered in depth later in this guide.
| Bill | What It Does | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|
| AB 628 | Requires working stove and refrigerator in all rentals | Jan 1, 2026 |
| AB 414 | Mandates electronic security deposit returns | Jan 1, 2026 |
| AB 1482 | Rent cap: 5% + CPI (approximately 8% in Long Beach for 2026) | Ongoing |
| AB 2493 | Overhauls tenant screening disclosures and fee rules | Jan 1, 2025 (ongoing enforcement) |
| SB 610 | Adds tenant protections during natural disasters | Jan 1, 2026 |
Long Beach also has its own Just Cause Termination Ordinance and Tenant Relocation Assistance rules that stack on top of state law. We cover those in a separate section below.
AB 628: Stove and Refrigerator Requirements
Effective January 1, 2026
AB 628 changes the legal definition of what makes a California rental “tenantable.” Starting in 2026, landlords must provide and maintain two appliances in every rental unit:
- A stove or oven capable of safely generating heat for cooking
- A refrigerator capable of safely storing food
This applies to all new leases, lease renewals, and lease amendments signed on or after January 1, 2026. For month-to-month tenancies, which renew automatically each month, compliance is effectively required immediately.
What This Means for Long Beach Landlords
If you own a single-family rental in the Belmont Heights or Bixby Knolls neighborhoods and your lease does not include appliances, you need to address this at the next renewal. Many older Long Beach apartment buildings along East Broadway and in the Wrigley area already provide appliances, but if yours is one of the units where tenants have historically supplied their own refrigerator, that arrangement needs formal documentation now.
Key Detail: Tenant Opt-Out for Refrigerators
Tenants can choose to bring their own refrigerator, but that election must be documented in writing. There is no tenant opt-out for stoves. The landlord must always provide the stove.
If any appliance you provide is subject to a manufacturer recall, you have 30 days from notification to repair or replace it. We track recalls for all 730+ properties we manage and handle replacements before they become a legal liability.
Exemptions
AB 628 does not apply to permanent supportive housing, single-room occupancy (SRO) units where residents share a common kitchen, or residential hotels and buildings with communal kitchens. Most standard Long Beach rentals, whether single-family homes, duplexes, or apartment units, are covered.
AB 414: Electronic Security Deposit Returns
Effective January 1, 2026
AB 414 modernizes how security deposits are returned in California. If your tenant paid rent or their security deposit through an electronic portal, you are now required to return the deposit electronically as well, unless both parties agree in writing to a different method.
- Electronic return is the default when the tenant used an online payment portal
- Written agreement is required if both parties want to use a different method (check, applying to final rent, etc.)
- Multi-tenant units require separate deposit returns to each tenant
For Long Beach landlords using property management software or online rent collection (and most of our owners do), this is actually a streamlining of the process. We were already processing electronic returns for the majority of our managed properties. The change primarily affects self-managing landlords who still handle deposits manually.
The law also allows both parties to mutually agree to apply the deposit toward the last month of rent, which can simplify the move-out process when handled correctly. We build this option into our lease addenda for owners who want it.
Managing deposits yourself? Our team handles the entire move-out process, including deposit accounting, condition reports, and compliant electronic returns. Talk to us: (562) 270-1777
AB 1482: Rent Cap Update for Long Beach
AB 1482, California’s Tenant Protection Act, continues to cap annual rent increases at 5% plus the regional Consumer Price Index (CPI), or 10%, whichever is lower. This law applies to most residential rental properties built before January 1, 2005.
2026 Numbers for Long Beach
The CPI for the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim metropolitan area is approximately 3% for the current period. That puts the maximum allowable rent increase for covered Long Beach properties at roughly 8% (5% + 3% CPI) for the 2025-2026 cycle. The exact percentage depends on which CPI period applies to your specific increase date.
Important: CPI Changes Every Year
The CPI component is recalculated annually using the Bureau of Labor Statistics data for April. For rent increases effective August 1, 2025 through July 31, 2026, you use the April 2025 CPI figure. Always verify the current CPI for Los Angeles County before sending a rent increase notice. The California Apartment Association publishes a regional calculator that breaks this down by metro area.
What Properties Are Covered?
| Covered by AB 1482 | Exempt from AB 1482 |
|---|---|
| Multi-family units built before 2005 | Single-family homes (with proper notice) |
| Older apartment buildings | Properties built in last 15 years |
| Duplexes (non-owner-occupied) | Owner-occupied duplexes |
| Condos rented to third parties | Subsidized/affordable housing units |
Long Beach has a significant amount of rental housing stock built in the 1950s through 1980s, especially in neighborhoods like North Long Beach, Zaferia, and the Eastside. The vast majority of these units fall under AB 1482 coverage. Even if your property qualifies for an exemption, you must provide written notice to your tenant that the unit is exempt.
Just Cause Eviction Updates
California’s statewide just cause eviction rules under AB 1482 remain in effect. Landlords cannot terminate a tenancy of 12 months or longer without a legally recognized reason. Those reasons fall into two categories:
At-Fault Just Cause (Tenant Behavior)
- Nonpayment of rent after written notice
- Material lease violation after opportunity to cure
- Criminal activity on the premises
- Nuisance behavior after notice
- Refusal to sign a new lease with substantially identical terms
- Subletting without landlord approval
No-Fault Just Cause (Landlord Decision)
- Owner or immediate family member move-in
- Withdrawal of the unit from the rental market (Ellis Act)
- Compliance with a government order to vacate
- Substantial remodel requiring vacancy
The critical detail for Long Beach owners: no-fault evictions trigger relocation assistance requirements under both state and local law. Long Beach has its own ordinance that specifies the amounts and timelines. We cover that in the Long Beach Local Ordinances section.
Compliance Tip from Our Team
Document everything. Every notice, every communication, every maintenance request. We use a digital documentation system for all 730+ properties that creates a timestamped record of every landlord-tenant interaction. When eviction is necessary, having clean records is the difference between a smooth legal process and a costly setback.
AB 2493: Tenant Screening Changes
Effective January 1, 2025 (active enforcement)
AB 2493 changes how landlords collect and use application screening fees. While this law took effect in 2025, enforcement is ongoing and many Long Beach landlords are still not fully compliant. Here is what the law requires:
- Written screening criteria upfront: Before collecting a fee, you must provide applicants with your established screening standards (credit score thresholds, income requirements, rental history criteria, etc.)
- Credit report copy within 7 days: Every applicant who pays a screening fee must receive a copy of their consumer credit report, regardless of whether they ask for it. Delivery can be in person, by mail, or by email.
- Itemized receipt: You must provide a receipt that breaks down out-of-pocket expenses and time spent on screening.
- Fee refund for rejected applicants: Applicants who are not selected are entitled to a refund of their screening fee.
- Unit must be available: Screening fees can only be charged when a unit is currently available or will be available within a reasonable period.
This is one of the laws that catches self-managing landlords off guard in Long Beach. If you have been collecting $30 or $40 application fees without providing written criteria and credit report copies, you are already out of compliance.
Our screening process at RPM Southland was updated to meet AB 2493 requirements as soon as the law passed. Every applicant receives our written criteria before they pay anything, and credit reports are delivered electronically within the required window.
SB 610: Post-Disaster Landlord Obligations
Effective January 1, 2026
SB 610 creates new obligations for landlords when a natural disaster affects rental properties. Given Long Beach’s exposure to earthquake risk and its coastal location, this law has real practical implications for local property owners.
- Debris removal: Landlords must remove debris from the property after a disaster
- Rent suspension: Rent and fees must be suspended during mandatory evacuations
- Deposit returns: Prepaid rent and security deposits must be returned if the unit becomes uninhabitable
- Lease termination: Tenants can terminate their lease without penalty if the unit cannot be safely occupied
Long Beach sits along the Newport-Inglewood Fault and is in the tsunami inundation zone for portions of the peninsula and Belmont Shore. While major disaster events are rare, the 2025 Los Angeles County wildfires demonstrated how quickly a natural disaster can displace thousands of tenants and create legal confusion for landlords.
SB 610 gives both parties a clear framework. If you own a rental in a flood zone near the Los Angeles River corridor or in the liquefaction-prone areas of central Long Beach, your insurance and lease terms should reflect these obligations.
Is your insurance coverage up to date? We review landlord insurance policies for our managed properties and flag gaps before they become problems. Call (562) 270-1777 for a free property review.
Long Beach Local Ordinances That Go Beyond State Law
California law sets the floor, but Long Beach adds its own layer of tenant protections. If you own rental property in Long Beach, you need to comply with both.
Long Beach Just Cause Termination Ordinance
Long Beach’s local Just Cause ordinance mirrors much of AB 1482 but has specific provisions that apply to residential units that are 15 years old or older when the tenant has lived there continuously for at least 12 months. The ordinance prohibits eviction without a reason listed under the law, and it lays out the process landlords must follow for each type of termination.
Relocation Assistance Requirements
This is where Long Beach goes further than state law. When a no-fault eviction occurs, the relocation assistance amounts are:
| Eviction Type | Relocation Assistance | Payment Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition or substantial remodel | $4,500 or 2 months’ rent (whichever is greater) | 15 calendar days |
| Other no-fault just cause | 1 month’s rent | 15 calendar days |
The 15 calendar day payment window starts from the date you issue the written termination notice. Missing that deadline creates legal exposure. For a duplex in the Rose Park neighborhood or a fourplex in Cambodia Town, a substantial remodel eviction on a unit renting at $2,200 per month means $4,500 in relocation costs (since two months’ rent at $4,400 is less than the $4,500 floor). A similar unit renting at $2,800 means $5,600 in relocation (two months’ rent exceeds the floor).
Long Beach Unit Registration
Eligible rental units in Long Beach must be registered annually. The Long Beach Housing and Neighborhood Services Bureau oversees registration and enforcement. If your units are not registered, bring them into compliance before any tenancy action. Non-registration can complicate eviction proceedings.
Substantial Remodel-Related Tenant Displacement (SRTD)
Long Beach has separate procedures for tenant displacement caused by substantial remodels. If you are planning major renovation work on a property in the Willmore City Historic District or upgrading units in a mid-century apartment building along Atlantic Avenue, you need to follow the SRTD process in addition to standard just cause procedures. The city requires advance notice, specific documentation, and relocation payments before work can begin.
2026 Compliance Checklist for Long Beach Landlords
Here is a practical checklist you can use to verify your properties are current with every 2026 requirement. We use a version of this for every property we manage.
- Appliances (AB 628): Working stove/oven and refrigerator in every unit, or written tenant election to provide their own refrigerator
- Appliance recalls: System in place to track manufacturer recalls and replace within 30 days
- Security deposits (AB 414): Electronic return capability for tenants who pay electronically; written agreement if using alternate method
- Deposit accounting: Separate returns for each tenant in multi-tenant units
- Rent increases (AB 1482): All increases within 5% + CPI cap; current CPI verified for LA metro area
- Exemption notices: Written notice to tenants if property is exempt from AB 1482 rent cap
- Screening process (AB 2493): Written criteria provided before fee collection; credit reports delivered within 7 days; itemized receipts issued; refund policy in place
- Disaster plan (SB 610): Lease language updated for disaster obligations; insurance reviewed for adequate coverage
- Just cause documentation: All termination notices compliant with both state and Long Beach local requirements
- Relocation assistance: Budget set aside for potential no-fault eviction costs; 15-day payment process ready
- Unit registration: Long Beach annual registration current for all eligible units
- Lease updates: All lease templates updated to reflect 2026 law changes
Need Help with 2026 Compliance?
Our team tracks every law change and updates our processes before deadlines hit. We handle compliance across 730+ Long Beach area properties so you do not have to.
How RPM Southland Keeps Owners Compliant
There is nothing I hate more than not being able to shop for pricing online and have it be clear and transparent. So let me be direct about what we do and how we do it.
Our team at RPM Southland manages compliance as part of our standard property management service. Here is what that looks like in practice:
Lease Management
Every lease template we use is reviewed and updated when new laws take effect. We do not wait for a renewal to make changes. When AB 628 went into effect, we had already amended our lease language and verified appliance status across every unit. When AB 414 passed, our electronic deposit return process was already in place because we had been using digital systems for years.
Screening and Applications
Our tenant screening process meets every AB 2493 requirement. Applicants receive our written criteria before paying a fee. Credit reports are delivered electronically within the required 7-day window. All fees are itemized. We process applications in the order received and handle any refunds that are owed.
Eviction and Termination Support
When a tenancy needs to end, we handle the entire process: proper notice preparation, just cause documentation, relocation assistance calculation and payment, and coordination with legal counsel when needed. We know the Long Beach ordinance requirements inside and out because we deal with them regularly.
Insurance and Disaster Preparedness
We review landlord insurance policies for our managed properties and flag coverage gaps. With SB 610 adding new disaster obligations, having adequate coverage is more important than ever for Long Beach properties, especially those near the coast, along the LA River, or in earthquake-prone zones.
Ongoing Monitoring
Sacramento passes new landlord-tenant legislation every year. We monitor bills through the California Apartment Association, attend industry conferences, and update our processes well before compliance deadlines. Our over 800 five-star reviews at 4.8 stars and 95% owner retention rate reflect the fact that owners trust us to stay ahead of these changes.
Want to see our pricing? We publish it because we believe in transparency. Visit rpmsouthland.com or call (562) 270-1777 for a full breakdown.
Legal Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. California landlord-tenant law is complex and changes frequently. For specific legal questions about your property or tenancy situation, consult a licensed California attorney. While RPM Southland strives to keep all managed properties compliant with current law, property owners are ultimately responsible for ensuring legal compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum rent increase allowed in Long Beach for 2026?
For properties covered by AB 1482, the maximum rent increase in Long Beach is 5% plus the regional CPI, or 10%, whichever is lower. For 2026, the combined cap in the Los Angeles metro area is approximately 8%. Long Beach does not have a separate local rent control cap beyond AB 1482 for most properties.
Do I have to provide a stove and refrigerator in my Long Beach rental?
Yes. Under AB 628, effective January 1, 2026, all new or renewed leases must include a working stove or oven and a refrigerator capable of safely storing food. Tenants may bring their own refrigerator, but that choice must be documented in writing. Landlords must always provide the stove.
Can I return security deposits electronically in California?
Yes. AB 414, effective January 1, 2026, requires landlords to return security deposits electronically if the tenant paid rent or deposits through an electronic portal. Both parties can also agree in writing to a different return method, including applying the deposit toward the last month of rent.
What are Long Beach’s relocation assistance requirements for no-fault evictions?
Long Beach requires relocation assistance for no-fault just cause evictions. For demolition or substantial remodel, tenants receive $4,500 or two months’ rent, whichever is greater. For other no-fault terminations, the amount is one month’s rent. Payment must be made within 15 calendar days of issuing the termination notice.
What happens to my lease obligations if a natural disaster damages my Long Beach rental?
Under SB 610, effective 2026, landlords must remove debris, suspend rent during mandatory evacuations, and return prepaid rent and security deposits if the unit becomes uninhabitable. Tenants can terminate their lease without penalty if the unit cannot be safely occupied after a disaster.
How does AB 2493 change the tenant screening process?
AB 2493 requires landlords to provide applicants with written screening criteria upfront, send a copy of the credit report within 7 days of receiving it, itemize all screening fee expenses, and refund fees to applicants who are not selected. Screening fees can only be charged when a unit is available or will be available within a reasonable period.
Let Us Handle Compliance So You Do Not Have To
730+ properties. 800+ reviews. 95% retention. We track every law change in Sacramento and Long Beach so our owners can focus on building wealth, not reading legislation.
This content is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. Readers should consult with licensed professionals regarding their specific circumstances.
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