Plain English Breakdown
The official summary mentions 'specified services' but does not define what those services are, leaving some uncertainty about exactly which subscriptions qualify.
Landlord-Tenant Rules for Internet Service Subscriptions
Starting January 1, 2026, this law requires landlords to let tenants in month-to-month or periodic rentals choose not to pay for third-party internet service subscriptions tied to their tenancy.
What This Bill Does
- Requires landlords or their agents to allow tenants to opt out of paying for specified services from a third-party internet service provider connected to the rental unit.
- Applies this rule only to residential tenancies that start, renew, or continue on a month-to-month or other periodic basis on or after January 1, 2026.
- Allows tenants to subtract the cost of these subscription fees from their rent if the landlord fails to let them opt out.
- Prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants who use this new right.
Who It Names or Affects
- Tenants living in residential units with month-to-month or other periodic leases starting, renewing, or continuing on or after January 1, 2026.
- Landlords and their agents managing these specific types of rental properties.
Terms To Know
- Opt out
- The choice to stop paying for a service that was previously required or automatic as part of the tenancy.
- Retaliation
- When a landlord punishes a tenant, such as by raising rent or lowering services, after the tenant uses their legal rights under this bill.
Limits and Unknowns
- The law does not apply to leases that are fixed for a set time period unless they renew on a month-to-month or other periodic basis.
- The text mentions 'specified services' but does not list exactly which internet services count under this rule.