California Law Clarifies Landlord Responsibility for Disaster Cleanup in Rental Properties
A new California law signed today, October 16, 2025, clarifies that landlords, not tenants, are responsible for cleaning rental homes contaminated by debris from natural disasters, a change prompted by issues following wildfires in Los Angeles County earlier this year.
Senate Bill 610, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, stipulates that landlords must remove hazards arising from disasters, including mold, smoke, ash, asbestos, and water damage. The legislation addresses confusion experienced by renters after the January fires, where some landlords refused to clean ash-filled apartments, leaving tenants unable to return home. This ruling aims to prevent disputes and ensure habitable living conditions following similar events.
State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez, who introduced the bill, stated the legislation was driven by constituent complaints and reporting from sources like LAist. “We’re hearing directly from constituents and have heard all of these concerns. And here’s reporting from journalists in the Los Angeles area to further support these claims that I’m making that this is a major issue,” Pérez said. Recent legal challenges, including a settlement with L.A. County over enforcement of cleaning requirements and a similar lawsuit facing Pasadena, highlighted the need for clearer guidelines. You can find more information about tenant rights at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development website.
The law also requires landlords to allow tenants to return at their pre-disaster rental rate and return rental payments for uninhabitable months. While landlord groups say most owners already take responsibility for cleanup, tenant advocates hailed the bill as a victory, closing a gap in habitability protections. Officials indicated the law will shape future communication between cities, landlords, and tenants regarding disaster-related cleanup responsibilities.
