04/20/2026
Key 2026 California Real Estate & Rental Law Updates~
• Digital Image Disclosure: Property listings using AI-edited or digitally altered photos must clearly disclose the alteration and provide access to the original, unedited photo.
• Thirdhand Smoke Disclosure: Sellers must disclose known residue or history of tobacco/vaping smoke inside the property.
• Rental Property Appliance Requirements: Landlords must now ensure working stoves and refrigerators are included in all rental units.
• Natural Disasters & Rent: Landlords are required to halt rent and remove debris immediately when natural disasters make properties uninhabitable.
• Transit-Oriented Development: Effective July 1, 2026, this law facilitates denser multifamily housing near major transit stations in select counties, overriding some local zoning ordinances.
• ADU and JADU Regulations: Local agencies must follow tighter, faster timelines to approve Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior ADUs (JADUs), reducing delays, with stricter rules against using JADUs for short-term rentals.
• Tenant Protections: Renters gain protections against eviction when rent nonpayment is caused by delayed Social Security benefits.
• Fee Disclosure: Mandatory upfront disclosure of all leasing fees, including in advertisements, is now.
Don't hesitate to reach out with any queations.
