New AACSC Forms Help Housing Providers Navigate Appliance and Microenterprise Requirements

California’s rental housing requirements continue to evolve, making clear documentation increasingly important for housing providers. To help AACSC members stay informed and prepared, Operational Advisor Oliver John-Baptiste has prepared and updated several important AACSC forms addressing rental-unit appliances and qualifying home-based business activities.

The forms are designed to help housing providers clearly establish responsibilities, communicate requirements with residents, and maintain organized records as new requirements take effect.

AB 628 Brings New Attention to Rental-Unit Appliances

Beginning January 1, 2026, appliance requirements are an important compliance consideration for California rental housing providers.

AB 628 generally makes a working stove and refrigerator part of California’s habitability requirements for rental agreements entered into, amended, or extended on or after January 1, 2026.

To help members document these responsibilities, AACSC has updated F43 – Tenant and Landlord Appliance Addendum.

The addendum helps establish whether the landlord or tenant will provide and maintain the required refrigerator and stove. Clearly documenting these responsibilities can help both parties understand their obligations and reduce confusion during the tenancy.

F43A Helps Document a Tenant’s Appliance Election

AACSC has also made available F43A – Appliance Provision Election Notice (Lease Addendum) for situations in which an existing rental agreement is amended and the appliance requirements become applicable.

The notice informs the resident of the appliance requirement and documents whether the tenant elects to provide their own refrigerator, when legally permitted, or whether the landlord will provide one.

Clear documentation today can help prevent disagreements over appliance responsibilities tomorrow.

Addressing Home-Based Businesses in Rental Housing

Appliance requirements are not the only area where housing providers may need clearer documentation. With more residents operating businesses from home, landlords may also encounter questions about how qualifying microenterprise activities fit within a residential tenancy.

AACSC’s F41 – Residential Use and Microenterprise Addendum addresses a tenant’s use of a rental property for residential purposes while conducting a qualifying microenterprise or home-based business.

The addendum establishes terms and conditions for qualifying business activity while preserving the fundamental residential nature of the tenancy.

Helping Residents Understand Microenterprise Requirements

The accompanying F41A – Residential Use and Microenterprise Notice provides another tool for communicating with residents.

This notice helps explain requirements and conditions that may apply when a tenant operates a qualifying microenterprise or home-based business from a rental unit.

For housing providers, having expectations documented in writing can create greater clarity for both the owner and resident.

Updated Forms Are Available to AACSC Member

The F43, F43A, F41 and F41A forms are now available through the AACSC member portal. Members should make sure they are logged into their account before attempting to download the newest versions.

Housing providers are encouraged to review the forms carefully and determine when each may apply to their rental agreements.

Conclusion: Stay Informed and Keep Your Rental Documents Current

As California rental housing requirements change, keeping forms and rental documentation current is an important part of responsible property management. AACSC’s new and updated appliance and microenterprise forms provide members with practical tools to communicate responsibilities clearly and maintain better records.

Members are encouraged to familiarize themselves with F43, F43A, F41 and F41A and use the latest versions available through the AACSC member portal.

For questions about the forms or assistance accessing or downloading them, contact the AACSC office at (562) 426-8341. Our team will be happy to assist you