California wildfires and declared emergencies create immediate legal obligations for housing providers (landlords) that many property owners are not prepared for. Senate Bill 610, effective in 2026, updates what landlords must do during and after a declared emergency: from contractor licensing to rent obligations to remediation timelines.
If you own rental property in Contra Costa County or anywhere in California, here is what SB 610 requires.
SB 610 is part of a wider wave of new rules - our California landlord laws guide puts them all in one place.
What Is SB 610?
Senate Bill 610 is a 2026 California law that strengthens landlord duties during state-declared emergencies, including wildfires. The bill addresses three areas:
- Contractor licensing requirements for post-disaster repairs
- Rent obligations when a unit becomes uninhabitable
- Remediation timelines and habitability restoration standards
SB 610 builds on existing California law: Penal Code 396 (price gouging prohibitions), Civil Code 1941 (habitability standards), and the Governor's emergency proclamation authority under Government Code 8558.
Price Gouging Protections Apply Automatically
Under California Penal Code 396, landlords cannot raise rent by more than 10 percent above pre-emergency levels once a state of emergency is declared. This applies automatically and covers:
- New rental agreements signed during the emergency period
- Rent increases on existing tenants
- Re-rental of units vacated because of the emergency
SB 610 strengthens enforcement of this prohibition and extends coverage in jurisdictions that previously had compliance gaps. Violations are a misdemeanor and can result in civil penalties.
Licensed Contractors Required for Post-Disaster Repairs
SB 610 requires landlords to use licensed contractors for post-disaster repair work on residential rental properties. After a declared emergency, repair work must be performed by:
- Contractors licensed by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
- Contractors with documented current workers' compensation coverage
- Vendors not listed on the CSLB's disciplinary action registry
This requirement addresses a recurring problem: unlicensed contractors flooding disaster areas with substandard work at elevated rates. For properties managed under a DRE broker license, using an unlicensed contractor after a declared emergency creates civil liability and potential DRE compliance exposure.
Verify your vendor relationships before an emergency occurs. The CSLB license lookup is at cslb.ca.gov.
Rent Obligations When a Unit Is Uninhabitable
Under Civil Code 1941 and reinforced by SB 610, landlords cannot charge rent for a unit that is uninhabitable due to emergency-related damage not caused by the tenant:
- Rent stops accruing from the date the unit becomes uninhabitable
- Prepaid rent for the uninhabitable period must be refunded within 14 days
- The tenancy does not automatically terminate unless the unit is a total loss
Document unit condition before and after any emergency event. This documentation is essential for insurance claims and for resolving rent disputes.
Remediation Timelines
SB 610 establishes clear timelines for habitability restoration after an emergency:
- Landlords must notify tenants of the estimated repair timeline within 30 days of the emergency declaration
- Units with structural damage must be assessed by a licensed contractor within 60 days
- Tenants cannot be required to return until the unit has been cleared by local code enforcement
Failure to meet these timelines can support constructive eviction claims from tenants and, where the property operates under a DRE broker license, potential disciplinary exposure.
The East Bay and Contra Costa County Context
Contra Costa County includes significant wildfire interface areas, particularly in the hills of Concord, Walnut Creek, and portions of Antioch and Brentwood. Any property within a declared emergency zone is subject to SB 610 requirements, whether or not the specific unit sustained damage.
East Bay landlords should:
- Know their property's fire hazard severity zone designation (check at osfm.fire.ca.gov)
- Have licensed contractor relationships documented before an emergency occurs
- Review lease agreements for emergency notification and rent provisions
- Maintain emergency contact protocols for tenants
Frequently asked questions
What does SB 610 require California landlords to do during a wildfire or declared emergency?
SB 610 requires California landlords to use only licensed contractors for repairs and remediation following a declared emergency, maintain habitability standards during and after the emergency period, and comply with updated rent gouging prohibitions. Landlords in affected areas must document all repair work with licensed contractor verification.
Can a California landlord raise rent during a declared state of emergency under SB 610?
No. California's price gouging law, reinforced by SB 610, prohibits raising rent by more than 10% following a declared state of emergency in the affected area. This prohibition applies for the duration of the emergency declaration and may extend afterward. Violations carry criminal penalties.
Does SB 610 apply to rental properties in Contra Costa County?
SB 610 is a statewide California law. It applies to any declared emergency in California, including wildfire declarations that affect Contra Costa County. Property owners in Pittsburg, Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley, and surrounding communities should be familiar with their obligations before an emergency occurs.
What contractor licensing requirements apply to California landlords during a declared emergency?
Under SB 610, all contractors performing repair or remediation work on a rental property during or following a declared emergency must hold a valid California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) license in the applicable trade. Hiring unlicensed contractors during an emergency exposes landlords to liability and may void insurance claims.
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