Each year, new real estate laws reshape how we disclose, market, buy, sell, rent, and manage residential property. For homeowners in Ventura County and the northwest Los Angeles County communities we serve, these changes are designed to increase transparency, strengthen consumer protections, and improve clarity during real estate transactions.

Let’s break them down in plain language.

1. Digitally Altered Listing Photos Require Clear Disclosure (AB 723)

Artificial intelligence and digital staging are now part of everyday marketing — but transparency is required.

If a broker, agent, or marketing professional uses a digitally altered image that adds, removes, or changes:

• Fixtures

• Furniture

• Flooring

• Landscaping

• Paint

• Exterior features

• Views or windows

• Floor plans

A disclosure must be added on or near the image, plus a link/URL/QR code to the original unaltered photo.
However, routine photo correction like lighting and color adjustments does not require disclosure.

This protects buyers and ensures realistic expectations.

2. Unsolicited Offers Are Prohibited in Certain Wildfire-Affected ZIP Codes

In ZIP codes impacted by the January 2025 fires, buyers cannot make unsolicited offers by:

• Text

• Email

• Phone

• Mail

• Door-to-door

• Any communication

Applicable local ZIP codes include: 91301, 91302, and 91320 — covering areas of Agoura Hills, Calabasas, and Thousand Oaks.

A seller may cancel the contract for up to four months if an unsolicited offer was made.
This law protects fire-affected homeowners from predatory or low-ball investors.

3. Thirdhand Smoke Disclosure Required (AB 455)

Sellers of 1–4 unit properties must disclose any known smoke residue or history of:

• Cigarette smoking

• Vape/e-cigarette use

• Nicotine products

Residue embedded in walls, carpet, or surfaces can trigger a buyer’s cancellation rights if withheld.

4. HOAs Must Provide Balcony Inspection Reports (SB 410)

Condo communities and HOAs must now include the most recent balcony inspection report in the standard disclosure package.

This includes:

• Summary page with inspection counts

• Identified safety hazards

• Units impacted

• Confirmed visual inspection

This improves transparency and helps prevent lender delays.

5. FinCEN All-Cash Entity Reporting Rule Begins March 1, 2026

A significant federal change impacting sellers, buyers, and escrow.

For all-cash purchases of 1–4 unit properties by entities or trusts, escrow/title must collect and report:

• Names

• Addresses

• DOBs

• TINs

• Citizenship (for certain parties)

• Beneficial ownership information

If a buyer or seller fails to provide required information, escrow cannot close.

C.A.R.’s new FRR-PA form will be required in all applicable contracts.

This rule aims to reduce money laundering and increase transparency.

6. HOA Fine Limits (AB 130)

Unless a violation is related to health or safety, HOAs may not charge fines above $100 per violation.

Additional provisions:

• Homeowners must be allowed an opportunity to cure the violation

• Notice of outcome must be sent within 14 days

• Owners may request internal dispute resolution

This law is designed to reduce arbitrary or excessive fines.

7. New Landlord/Tenant Laws Affecting Local Rentals

Several updates impact landlords and tenants:

Required Appliances (AB 628)

Leases entered into, amended, or extended after Jan 1, 2026 must now include:

• A stove

• A refrigerator

Unless the tenant formally agrees to provide their own.

Electronic Return of Security Deposits (AB 414)

If tenants paid electronically, landlords must return deposits electronically unless a different agreement exists.

Disaster Remediation (SB 610)

Landlords must remediate debris, ash, mold, smoke, or water damage after a disaster within a reasonable time.

Internet Service Provider Choice (AB 1414)

Tenants may opt out of mandated ISP services and deduct the cost from rent if forced.

Safe Indoor Maximum Temperature (SB 655)

California adopts a new state policy requiring safe indoor temperatures — future regulations will follow.

Extended Stay Protections for Disaster Victims (AB 299)

Short-term renters displaced by disaster receive additional occupancy protections up to 270 days.

Interruption of Social Security Benefits Defense (AB 246)

Tenants facing eviction due to delayed Social Security payments may pause proceedings until benefits resume.

8. Other Notable Laws

Algorithmic Collusion (AB 325)

Prohibits businesses from using shared pricing algorithms that may facilitate price collusion — including implications for large rental management firms.

Balcony Inspection Extensions with Asbestos (AB 130)

Owners receive additional time to complete balcony inspections if asbestos is discovered.

Private Plan Checkers for Permits (AB 253)

If local building departments delay plan checking beyond 30 days, owners may hire third-party licensed reviewers.

Transit-Proximity Housing Density Increases (SB 79)

Enables taller multifamily housing near major transit hubs — mostly affecting dense urban counties, not suburban neighborhoods like Westlake Village or Thousand Oaks.

Insurance: FAIR Plan & Lender Requirements (AB 493, AB 226)

• Mortgage lenders must pay interest on insurance proceeds they hold

• FAIR Plan gains ability to raise funds through bonds to pay claims faster

What This Means for You

These laws strengthen:

• Transparency

• Consumer protection

• Fire-zone safeguards

• Disclosure accuracy

• HOA accountability

• Fair tenancy rights

Need clarity on what this means for your property or upcoming plans? Reach out — we do real estate differently, and it starts with answering your questions. For sellers or buyers in Ventura County and the Conejo Valley, this means clearer expectations and stronger guardrails — and at Avant ONE Real Estate, we help you navigate every step with confidence.

Disclaimer:This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws summarized here are sourced from the California Association of REALTORS® 2026 New Laws publication. Real estate laws are subject to change, interpretation, and further regulatory guidance. Homeowners, buyers, landlords, and HOAs should consult qualified legal counsel for advice regarding their specific situation.