Since mid-2024, California has had one of the strongest right-to-repair laws in the country, and it’s quietly changed what independent appliance repair looks like — including here in Orange County. If you’ve ever been told a part for your appliance is “unavailable” or that only an authorized service center can fix it, the Right to Repair Act (SB 244) exists specifically to push back on that.
What SB 244 Actually Requires
- Manufacturers of electronics and appliances sold in California on or after July 1, 2021, must make repair documentation, parts, and tools available to consumers and independent repair shops — not just their own authorized network — on fair and reasonable terms.
- Availability windows are tied to price: parts and documentation must stay available for 3 years after a model stops being manufactured if it costs
99.99, and for 7 years if it costs $100 or more. - This covers most home appliances, along with electronics like phones, laptops, and tablets. A handful of categories, including agricultural equipment and alarm systems, are excluded.
Why This Matters for You
Before laws like this existed, manufacturers could — and often did — restrict parts and repair information to their own authorized network, which limited competition, pushed up repair prices, and sometimes made repair impossible for older or discontinued models. SB 244 opens that up, which is a big part of why independent, local repair has become a realistic option for more appliance problems than it used to be.
One More Thing: Check Who You’re Hiring
California law requires anyone you pay to repair household appliances to be licensed through the state’s Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS). You can look up a technician’s license status directly at bhgs.dca.ca.gov before you let anyone into your home — it takes about a minute and it’s the easiest way to confirm you’re dealing with a legitimate, accountable business rather than an unlicensed operator.
How This Connects to Repair vs. Replace
Better parts availability is a big reason the repair-vs-replace math has shifted in favor of repair for more appliances, especially as replacement prices have climbed in 2026. A 6- or 8-year-old dishwasher that might once have been written off as “unrepairable” now often has a real path to a fix, thanks to manufacturers being required to keep parts in the pipeline.
How OCG Appliances Helps
OCG Appliances repairs appliances across Orange County using manufacturer-sourced parts and documentation, in line with California’s Right to Repair Act — so you get a real fix, not a workaround. Always feel free to ask about licensing before scheduling any repair.
FAQ
Does the Right to Repair Act cover my 10-year-old refrigerator?
It covers products manufactured and first sold or used in California on or after July 1, 2021 — so a refrigerator older than that isn’t directly covered by SB 244’s requirements, though many manufacturers still support older models voluntarily.
How do I check if my repair technician is licensed?
Look them up at bhgs.dca.ca.gov, California’s Bureau of Household Goods and Services registry, before hiring.
Does this law mean repairs will always be cheaper?
Not automatically — but by opening up access to parts and documentation, it increases competition among repair providers, which tends to help pricing and availability over time.
