New California Laws for 2026: What Every Resident Should Know
As 2026 begins, California’s legislature ushers in changes across employment, rental housing, consumer protection, privacy, and civil justice. Below is an overview of the most significant new statutes, what they require, and how they affect daily life for individuals, families, and businesses.
2026 California Employment and Labor Law Updates
California employers must implement new pay reporting procedures and ensure employees who perform substantially similar work receive equal compensation, regardless of job title. Lab. Code § 1197.5. Employers must also submit annual reports documenting pay scales and job classifications for all workers, increasing oversight and the potential for liability if pay is found to be disparate. Lab. Code § 1197.5.
The statewide minimum wage increases as of January 1, 2026, with some cities and counties requiring even higher rates. Lab. Code § 1182.12. All employers must update payroll systems to ensure compliance.
Employers are further required to provide new hires, at the time of hire, with written notice containing wage rate, sick leave accrual method, rest break policy, and anti-harassment information. Lab. Code § 2810.5.
Mass layoff and plant closing regulations require businesses to give earlier and more detailed notice to affected employees and state agencies, and to provide severance for affected workers under defined circumstances. Lab. Code § 1401.
2026 Changes to California Landlord-Tenant Law
All residential rental agreements must now specifically disclose appliances included with the property, their installation date, warranty information, and any modifications performed during tenancy. Civ. Code § 1940.10.
Landlords who provide parking must clearly disclose parking arrangements, associated fees, guest parking options, and tenant rights in the rental agreement or lease. Civ. Code § 1940.12.
Evictions require longer notice, particularly for elderly tenants or those receiving government assistance. All unlawful detainer actions must also follow new procedural and service requirements. Code Civ. Proc. § 1161.
2026 California Consumer Protection Law Developments
Tenants in multifamily housing charging for bundled internet or utilities are now empowered to opt out or contest charges if service fails to meet contract standards or is not delivered. Civ. Code § 1954.05.
Gift card protections are enhanced such that retail gift certificates cannot expire, retailers must redeem cards for cash under ten dollars, and fees are heavily restricted. Civ. Code § 1749.5.
2026 California Privacy and Digital Rights Updates
Residents can require businesses to disclose, correct, or delete personal data in accordance with amendments to the California Consumer Privacy Act, and businesses face additional disclosure and compliance steps. Civ. Code § 1798.100.
2026 California Civil Procedure and Justice Reform
Wage garnishment amounts for civil judgment debtors are further limited, leaving more income protected for basic living costs. Code Civ. Proc. § 706.050.
The jurisdictional limit for small claims court rises, letting Californians resolve higher-value claims in this simplified forum. Code Civ. Proc. § 116.220.
Conclusion
These 2026 legal changes span crucial areas of California life, from paychecks and privacy to leases and consumer rights. Reviewing agreements and practices for compliance is your best step for a successful New Year.
Citations
Lab. Code § 1197.5 (pay equity, new reporting)
Lab. Code § 1182.12 (minimum wage)
Lab. Code § 2810.5 (new hire notice)
Lab. Code § 1401 (mass layoff notice)
Civ. Code § 1940.10 (appliance disclosure in rentals)
Civ. Code § 1940.12 (parking disclosure in rentals)
Code Civ. Proc. § 1161 (eviction/notice process)
Civ. Code § 1954.05 (bulk internet/utilities)
Civ. Code § 1749.5 (gift card protections)
Civ. Code § 1798.100 (consumer privacy)
Code Civ. Proc. § 706.050 (wage garnishment)
Code Civ. Proc. § 116.220 (small claims limit)
