When broken AC does (and doesn’t) break the law
Usually not on its own. Unlike heat, air conditioning is generally not a required part of California's habitability standard, so a broken AC by itself is often not a legal violation. But it can become one in certain situations.
California law requires rentals to have heating facilities, but it does not list air conditioning as a basic requirement, so landlords are generally not required to provide it. That is an important difference many tenants do not expect.
Broken AC can still create legal issues in specific circumstances — for example, if the lease included AC and the landlord will not maintain it, if a local ordinance requires cooling, if extreme heat becomes a genuine health or safety hazard, or if the AC unit is leaking, growing mold, or unsafe. The details decide whether it crosses a line. If broken AC is causing a real problem in your home, a free, confidential review can help you understand whether the law applies.
This is general information about California tenant rights, not legal advice. Every situation is different.