Cal. Civ. Code § 1942.8
California Civil Code
Operative Text
(a) For any residential tenancy commenced, renewed, or continuing on a month-to-month or other periodic basis, on or after January 1, 2026, a landlord or their agent shall allow the tenant to opt out of paying for any subscription from a third-party internet service provider, such as through a bulk-billing arrangement, to provide service for wired internet, cellular, or satellite service that is offered in connection with the tenancy. (b) A landlord or their agent shall not retaliate against a tenant for exercising the tenant’s rights under this section, consistent with the protections provided in Section 1942.5. (c) If the landlord or their agent violates subdivision (a), the tenant may deduct the cost of the subscription to the third-party internet service provider from the rent. (d) This section does not prevent a landlord or their agent from offering bulk-billing arrangements to their tenants. (e) For the purposes of this section, “internet service provider” has the same meaning as that term is defined in Section 3100.
Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1942.8, for residential tenancies that begin, renew, or continue on a month-to-month or other periodic basis on or after January 1, 2026, landlords must give tenants the ability to opt out of any third-party internet service subscription—such as a bulk-billing arrangement for wired, cellular, or satellite internet—bundled with the tenancy. If a landlord violates this opt-out requirement, the tenant may deduct the subscription cost from rent, and any retaliation against a tenant for exercising these rights is prohibited. The law does not bar landlords from offering bulk-billing arrangements; it simply requires that participation be optional.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to Cal. Civ. Code § 1942.8 generally ensure that any third-party internet subscription offered alongside a tenancy—whether through a bulk-billing deal or similar arrangement—comes with a clear, accessible opt-out mechanism for tenants. Compliant operators document the opt-out process and avoid any adverse action against tenants who choose to decline the service, consistent with the anti-retaliation standards cross-referenced in the statute. Landlords may still offer and promote bulk-billing arrangements; the key operational requirement is that tenant participation remains voluntary.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Cal. Civ. Code § 1942.8 gives tenants the right to opt out of any third-party internet subscription—such as a bulk-billed wired, cellular, or satellite service—that a landlord bundles with a tenancy starting, renewing, or continuing on or after January 1, 2026. If a landlord refuses to honor that opt-out, the statute permits tenants to deduct the subscription cost directly from rent, and retaliation for exercising these rights is prohibited. Tenants who believe their rights under this section have been violated may consider consulting a tenant-rights organization or local housing agency to understand available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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