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Broken Air Conditioning · California Tenant Rights

How long does a landlord have to fix broken air conditioning?

Reasonable repair time for provided AC

When the landlord is responsible for the AC — usually because they provided it — they should repair it within a reasonable time after being notified. What is reasonable depends on the situation, and dangerous heat can make it more urgent.

Because AC is often an amenity rather than a required service, timelines can be less strict than for heat, water, or sewage. Still, a landlord who provided AC generally cannot ignore repairs indefinitely once you have reported the problem.

In extreme heat, or where vulnerable household members are at risk, the need to act grows, and a long delay looks less reasonable. Report the problem in writing, note the date and the indoor temperatures, and follow up if you hear nothing. If your landlord provided AC and is dragging out the repair, a free review can help you understand your options.

This is general information about California tenant rights, not legal advice. Every situation is different.

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