When a disaster strikes, the damage rarely ends when the flames die out or the waters recede. The aftermath and rebuilding process can be long, grueling, and costly. For tenants specifically, the process can leave them to wonder if their home is truly safe to live in or to return to, and who’s supposed to clean up the mess.
This year, California took an important step toward clarity and accountability with SB 610, a new law that expands landlords’ post‑disaster responsibilities and reinforces basic habitability standards.
And frankly, it’s a welcome change.
Just one year ago, the devastating Palisades and Eaton fires tore through entire communities, destroying 16,000 structures including homes and rental properties across Southern California. Even buildings that remained standing weren’t spared as many were left contaminated by toxic ash, smoke residue, and water damage. In the aftermath, many tenants were, and still are, left confused, displaced, and unsure of their rights, while guidance from officials and landlords has been inconsistent at best. While some landlords were eager to provide livable conditions to their tenants, others were quick to deny responsibility.
SB 610 is designed to prevent that kind of uncertainty moving forward.
What SB 610 Requires
Under SB 610, landlords, not tenants, are responsible for post‑disaster cleanup and remediation to ensure rental units meet habitability standards before anyone moves back in.
Specifically, the law requires landlords to address and remediate hazards caused by a disaster, including but not limited to:
- Mold
- Smoke, smoke residue, and lingering smoke odors
- Ash and debris
- Asbestos
- Water damage
This applies to disasters such as fires, floods, and other qualifying emergencies. If a unit is impacted, the responsibility to make it safe again falls squarely on the property owner.
Tenant Protections
SB 610 also clarifies several critical tenant protections:
- Habitability standards must be met before a unit can be re‑occupied
- Tenants have the right to return once remediation work is completed
- Landlords may not collect rent for periods when a unit is uninhabitable due to disaster‑related conditions
The law also introduces a new Notice of Completion of Remediation Work, which landlords may be required to provide once cleanup and repairs are complete.
Why This Law Matters
SB 610 creates clearer expectations, stronger protections, and a more humane response during already overwhelming and devastating circumstances.
We’re encouraged to see California uphold basic living standards for tenants, and for working towards change and clarity following such devastating events in our state.
This Friday, CD Law partner Miguel Custodio will be joining KGET Bakersfield discussing SB 610 and what landlords and tenants need to know about post‑disaster responsibilities. Stay tuned!
We’re Still Here for Fire Victims
At CD Law, we are still fighting for victims of the Eaton fires, and we remain deeply committed to holding landlords and insurers accountable when habitability standards are ignored.
If you’re a tenant dealing with unsafe conditions after a disaster or a landlord unsure of your obligations under SB 610 our habitability team is here to help.
Reach out to us anytime.
(213) 593-9095 
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February 18, 2026