My AC stopped working
In Las Vegas heat a dead air conditioner is a safety problem, not just a repair. Here's what to do first, how to hire a licensed tech, and what your landlord owes you if you rent.
What to do first
1. If anyone is dizzy, confused, vomiting or has stopped sweating, call 911.
Those are signs of heat stroke. Older adults, babies, pets and anyone with a heart or lung
condition are at the highest risk.
2. Get cool while you wait. Close blinds on the sunny side, run fans, take a
cool shower, and drink water. If the house stays hot, go to a cooling station or anywhere
air-conditioned. The power outage page covers what to do if the
whole house lost power, not just the AC.
3. Check the simple things. Thermostat set to cool and below room temperature,
fresh batteries in the thermostat, the AC breaker not tripped, and the air filter not clogged.
4. If you own the home, hire a licensed contractor. Before anyone starts work,
look up their license on the
Nevada State Contractors Board
site and confirm it says Active. Get the price in writing before the repair.
5. If you rent, tell your landlord in writing today. Text and email both count
as a record. Keep a copy and note the date and time.
If you rent: what the law says
| Rule | What it means for you | Source |
|---|---|---|
| AC must be kept in good repair | If the unit came with air conditioning, the landlord must keep it in good repair for the whole tenancy | NRS 118A.290(1)(i) |
| Repair it and deduct it | If the landlord doesn't fix it within 14 days of your written notice, or sooner in an emergency, you can have it repaired in a workmanlike manner and take the cost out of rent, up to $100 or one month's rent, whichever is greater | NRS 118A.360 |
| Bigger breaches | For a breach the landlord won't fix, written notice gives them 14 days; after that you may end the lease, recover damages, or ask a court for relief | NRS 118A.350 |
Keep every receipt and every message. If it ends up in court, that record is your case. Free legal help: the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, or call 211.