Explaining California Law on AC Repairs, Tenant Rights, and What’s Changing in 2025
As record-breaking heatwaves become the norm across California, air conditioning is increasingly essential to health, safety, and habitability—especially in Southern California’s inland and valley communities. But many renters still wonder: If the AC breaks, does my landlord have to fix it? Or even more basic: Are landlords required to provide air conditioning at all?
The short answer: Landlords in California are generally not legally required to provide AC in a rental, unless it was advertised as part of the rental or provided and working at the start of the tenancy. But if it was included, then yes—your landlord must repair and maintain it in a timely manner.
Here’s a breakdown of tenant rights, repair timelines, and what new cooling regulations could mean for California landlords in 2025.
🔧 When Is a Landlord Required to Repair the Air Conditioner?
In California, landlords have a legal obligation to maintain any appliance or system that was provided with the unit at the start of the tenancy. That includes:
- Central AC systems
- Built-in wall or split units
- Window AC units, if supplied by the landlord
This duty falls under the “implied warranty of habitability”, meaning the landlord must keep the property in livable condition—including any features promised at the time of lease signing.
💡 Example: If the rental ad listed central AC as a feature and the system was working on move-in day, the landlord must maintain and repair it. Failure to do so may be a violation of habitability standards.
⏳ What’s a Reasonable Timeframe for Repairs?
Unless it’s an emergency, landlords typically have up to 30 days to make necessary repairs after receiving written notice. But the timeline may shrink if:
- Outside temperatures are dangerously high
- The tenant is elderly, disabled, or otherwise vulnerable
- Local ordinances impose stricter standards (such as in Los Angeles, Berkeley, or Santa Monica)
Many California renters report (on forums like Reddit) that landlords are expected to respond within 30 days for central AC repairs, although in extreme heat events, faster action may be required.
🛠️ Tenant Remedies: What If the AC Still Isn’t Fixed?
If your AC breaks down and your landlord fails to respond in a reasonable time, you may have legal options:
✅ Repair and Deduct
- You may pay for the repair yourself and deduct the cost from your next month’s rent
- This option is allowed once per 12 months, and only if the cost is less than one month’s rent
- You must notify the landlord first and provide receipts
📝 File a Complaint
If your landlord ignores repeated repair requests:
- Document everything (dates, messages, temperature logs)
- File a complaint with your local housing department or code enforcement
- Tenants in rent-controlled areas may have additional protections or remedies
🌡️ Are Landlords Required to Provide AC in the First Place?
Currently, no. California law does not require landlords to install air conditioning, only heating systems capable of maintaining 70°F. However, if AC is provided, it must be maintained.
That said, laws are changing. As climate change makes heat more dangerous, state and local governments are moving toward formal cooling requirements—especially in vulnerable or low-income housing.
🧊 New and Emerging Cooling Standards in L.A. County and California (2024–2025)
While no statewide cooling law has passed yet, several policies are in progress:
📍 Los Angeles County
- As of early 2024, the county began reviewing a “cooling ordinance” that would cap maximum indoor temperatures
- Proposals would require rental units to stay below 82°F, especially in older or low-income buildings
- Implementation details are still under discussion, but many expect policy movement in 2025–2026
🏗️ California Statewide (2025 and Beyond)
- California’s Department of Housing and Community Development is preparing voluntary guidelines for indoor cooling in new residential buildings
- These may soon become code requirements for new construction or rehab projects
- No retroactive mandate for older buildings—yet
⚠️ Bottom Line: AC Isn’t Legally Required (Yet), But Repairs Are
If your AC was part of your rental agreement or was functioning when you moved in, your landlord is required to fix it within a reasonable time. While AC isn’t yet on the list of legally mandated services (like plumbing, heating, and hot water), it’s becoming a bigger part of habitability standards in California—especially as lawmakers look to combat extreme heat.
Landlords: be proactive. Tenants: know your rights.
As 2025 approaches, it’s critical for both sides to stay informed as the law evolves.
📌 Brought to you by Boutique Property Management
Your compliance partner for rental properties in Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, Ventura County, and beyond.
Learn more at 🌐 www.boutiquepropmgmt.com