What to do if landlord won't fix/replace a/c unit?

Question

The a/c unit in the house we rent is just about completely worn out. At the start of the summer, we started to notice that it didn't cool properly. The landlord had the repair company come out and look at it. They cleaned everything and said it should work. A week later, it was 80 degrees indoors, and they came back out. This guy said the unit has seen it's better days. It cooled 20 degrees from what it was outside, but since it was 100 outside, 80 was the best it could do. That didn't sit will with me but whatever. The landlord said that since it was working, she was not going to replace it. We bought a portable unit to use in the kitchen. That helps, but not much. The central a/c unit is getting worse. We're now lucky to get a 10 degree difference. I've emailed, but haven't gotten any answers. My lease doesn't specifically say who is responsible for keeping such appliances working. I don't know what to do! I have a baby, and he gets hot easily! Help!

Answer 1

Buy one.

Answer 2

I am a landlord myself and this time of year I dread the "a/c doesn't work" call.....    it happens.. A/C's aren't built to last forever.. parts break, etc.  

yes its a luxury and its one of the disadvantages of renting vs. owning.  if you rent you are at the mercy of your landlord if things break.

what i would do is request a meeting with your landlord.. tell them NICELY 80 degrees just wont cut it with you and you aren't happy living in the house.. and ask that you be released from ur contract or have them fix it.  

I have been in situations where it took a week and a half to fix the A/C because the contractors were slow to order the part or get back with me etc.  and I made that deal with the tenants similar to that.  the only difference is that the tenants weren't willing to work with me and the A/C guy would go there and they wouldn't be home.    

in ur situation is sounds like you are being cooperative, but the landlord is just not willing to fix it.

in the future when you rent it doesn't hurt to get a trustworthy A/C guy out there yourself and have him check the unit to make sure it is working good.. you have every right to do that.  or you can put an A/C clause in the contract where if the A/C breaks you can quit on ur contract and not be penalized

Answer 3

A/C units are considered luxury items & are not a necessity for landlords to repair if they do not want to.

Answer 4

I am not sure which state you live in, but contact the Department of Housing and Urban Development to obtain a copy of your tenants rights.  They will tell you what to do, especially since a child is involved.  It is your landlord's obligation to ensure that provided amenities are functional and working unless she made it a point to specify in your lease, and you agreed to it, that the air conditioning is  as-is.

There are remedies to mediate this, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development will be able to point you in the right direction - you can also contact your local housing authority or contact the health department to come inspect and ask for their advice.