When a broken-AC claim may recover
You may be able to recover if the landlord had a duty regarding the AC — for example, because they provided it and refused to repair it, or because the broken unit caused a habitability problem like mold — and that failure harmed you. The amount depends on the facts.
Compensation for broken AC is not automatic, since AC is often an amenity rather than a legal requirement. But where the landlord was responsible — through the lease, a local ordinance, a fair-housing accommodation, or a related habitability issue — losses like property damage from a leak, or the reduced value of a home you could not safely occupy, can be part of a claim.
No one can promise a figure without reviewing the details, so be cautious of anyone who does. Keep records, photos, and your lease or listing showing AC was included. A free, confidential review can tell you whether your situation is worth pursuing.
This is general information about California tenant rights, not legal advice. Every situation is different.