The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Crescent City Times.com By Jeff Faller – September 20, 2025 Oppose AB 628. It will raise the cost of California’s most affordable housing. Please help us stop AB 628 before it’s too late. What AB 628 Does Mandates that all housing providers must supply and maintain a stove and refrigerator in “good working order” for every lease signed, renewed, or amended after January 1, 2026. Requires owners to repair or replace recalled appliances within 30 days, regardless of cost. Imposes yet another unfunded mandate on housing providers. Why This Hurts Renters Strips away renter choice: Many renters prefer to provide their own stove or refrigerator to save money. Raises costs: Forcing owners into a one-size-fits-all rule means higher expenses—and ultimately, higher rents. Ignores reality: Sacramento politicians keep adding mandates while ignoring the real drivers of California’s housing crisis. Instead of helping, AB 628 will make housing less affordable and reduce flexibility for both renters and housing providers. Take Action Send an email to Governor Newsom today! Ask Governor Newsome to Veto AB 628 to protect affordability and flexibility in rental housing. Together, we can stop bad laws that drive housing costs even higher. Go to: https://www.votervoice.net/AOACA/Campaigns/130248/Respond Jeff Faller is President of Apartment Owners Association of California