New Requirements Go Into Effect January 1, 2026
California has officially passed AB1414, a bill that changes how property owners and operators can offer bulk internet services to residents. Beginning January 1, 2026, property owners must allow residents the ability to opt out of any internet subscription (wired, satellite, or cellular) that’s included as part of their lease or residency agreement.
What This Means for Owners and Operators
Bulk internet programs have become an increasingly popular way for multifamily owners to provide residents with fast, reliable connectivity at below-retail rates, while also driving consistent NOI growth.
While AB1414 introduces new compliance requirements, it does not eliminate the opportunity for owners to provide internet services through a bulk or community-wide model. It simply means that future programs must be designed with resident choice and opt-out flexibility in mind.
Staying Ahead of Compliance
As your trusted telecom advisor, Onboard is closely monitoring the implementation of AB1414 and its potential impact on multifamily and single-family rental communities across California.
Our teams are already helping clients review existing internet programs to ensure compliance ahead of 2026, including evaluating options for:
- Managing resident opt-outs and recordkeeping
- Ensuring transparency in amenity agreements
- Coordinating with internet service providers on contract updates
Because the new law applies to new and renewed tenancies beginning January 1, 2026, property owners should begin reviewing their telecom agreements now to avoid any disruptions.
The Bottom Line
AB1414 represents an evolution—not an end—to bulk internet programs. The legislation is designed to give residents more choice, while still allowing property owners to offer reliable, community-wide connectivity at scale.
Onboard will continue to provide insights and best practices as more guidance becomes available from the state. Our goal is to help you stay compliant, informed, and positioned to continue offering technology amenities that add value for both residents and ownership.
Questions about how AB1414 may affect your community? Our team is here to help you understand your options as the effective date approaches. Contact us at [email protected]
Subscribe To Our Blog Newsletter
Keep yourself ahead of the curve with the latest utility news, trends, & resources.
Editor's Picks
What the 2026 GRESB Updates Mean: Our Observations on the Key Shifts
Change is on the horizon. The 2026 GRESB Real Estate Standard marks a decisive move toward measurable, performance-based climate action. Rather than incremental adjustments, these updates focus attention on the issues that most directly shape long-term value and resilience. GRESB…
Read More
Built to Go the Distance: How Properties Achieve ENERGY STAR, LEED, and WELL Certifications
We recently held our first 5K for our team, and it got us thinking. We watched many of our Experts who hadn’t run in years (or ever) lace up, train for weeks, and push through on the big day. The…
Read More
Smart Waste & Water Analytics: The Next Cost-Cutting Frontier in Multifamily
In this economy, cost control is on everyone’s mind. And energy and payroll usually top the list for multifamily operators. But here’s the thing: water and waste are two of the fastest-growing, least-managed costs eating into margins every day. Consider…
Read More
Your Utilities Might Be Lying to You.
Preventing Losses from Errors, Theft, and Oversight. Utilities don’t always tell the whole truth. At least not without a little verification. Between billing errors, meter issues, and missed rate updates, it’s easy for even the most diligent property teams to…
Read More
The First Bills Are In. Here’s What Early Utility Data Reveals About Student Housing
Move-in day has come and gone. The carpets are clean, the furniture is set, and the flood of parents and students with boxes and carts has finally slowed. For operators, the chaos of Turn is behind them. But another wave…
Read More
Meet the New Goby Dashboard That Turns Sustainability Data Into Action
Conservice is excited to introduce a new dashboard for Goby, our sustainability and compliance platform. Goby has always helped real estate owners and operators manage utility and sustainability data across their portfolios. With this release, the platform now delivers insights faster,…
Read More
Utility Data Centralization: Unlocking AI, Energy, and Sustainable Solutions
Let me tell you a secret. If you were to take over my computer at any given moment, you’d probably find 30 tabs, 10 apps, and a spreadsheet all open at once. I’ll admit it: I’m no expert at centralizing…
Read More
The Hidden Engine Driving Build-to-Rent in 2025
When the Smiths moved into a brand‑new rental home last spring, they didn’t just discover fresh flooring or smart thermostats; they stepped into a lifestyle shaped by seamless utility management. They never saw a bill go astray, never gawked at…
Read More
ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager: What’s Really Happening and How to Protect Your Data
If you work in property management or sustainability, you’ve probably heard the headlines. Back in May, several news outlets reported that the federal ENERGY STAR program (including ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager) could be eliminated. The reality in August 2025 looks…
Read More
How Bulk Internet Can Elevate the Manufactured Housing Experience
Reliable internet access is no longer a luxury, it’s essential infrastructure. Yet, in many manufactured housing communities (MHCs), dependable, high-speed connectivity is still lacking. As digital demands continue to grow, bulk internet presents a timely opportunity for operators to modernize…
Read MoreExperience Effortless Utility Management and Cost Savings
Connect with us today to discover how our solutions can ease tenant billback, streamline utility management, and reduce your costs and energy usage. Make your utility management smarter and more efficient with Conservice!
