Can I charge my landlord for AC repairs?

It depends on what your lease says.

AC isn't a necessity like heat or water - they may have every right to take their time fixing it, and maybe not have to do it at all.

You may be entitled to a reduction of rent for the time air conditioning was witheld. Depends on the terms of the lease. If you are going to follow up on this you will need documented details. They say 40 units...which 40...get tenant names and unit numbers. They say someone was contracted to do the repairs...find out who and the date this occurred. You are correct in never accepting anything the landlord says at face value...make them prove it in writing.

In a complex of this size you might want to talk to others about the possibility of forming a tenant association. Its much harder for a landlord to ignore several voices than just one.

You are paying for an air conditioned apartment, right? Everything is supposed to work, right? Call HUD and see what they say. This happened to me once and I told them that for everyday they didn't fix it, I was going to deduct $25.00 from my rent. I also threatened to call Child protective services because I had a child in a swealtering apartment and no air conditioning. Look in the phone book for anything that has to do with housing development. Or call a lawyer. They do have to fix it. Slum lording is against the law in most states. Good luck.

If you're paying for AC and not getting it I would tell them they're being dishonest, you've given them enough time, and you're going to call a lawyer if they don't get someone to fix the unit in that week.

Since you have already made several requests, and they are on paper. That's great on your part. Every parish has different rules. I would call the Justice of the Peace office in your area and ask them that question. I do know that it is the law that a landlord or apt complex cannot rent an apartment without 2 things. 1) a.c. 2) heat... An apartment would be declared inhabitable if so....

I work for an apartment management company, so these are my suggestions. Please, please take these with a grain of salt, because I am no legal expert when it comes to housing matters.

First, you need to take a close look at the lease you signed and really read the fine print. Usually there are VERY specific steps when requesting repairs, or when you take action such as withholding rent. If any of those steps have not been followed, the landlord can claim the repair request was not properly made or a lease violation for withholding rent.

Second, depending where you live, your city or state may have certain legal protections in place for tenants when it comes to repairs that affect quality of life (i.e. plumbing, heat, etc.). You can probably find this info online.

Finally, make DAMN sure that the AC didn't fail because of negligence on your part. I know it sounds unfair, but it's happened that a tenant neglects to keep the filter clean or makes the unit work too hard by lowering the temp too low. In such a case, the landlord can make the tenant responsible for the repairs.

Anyway, I hope this information helps. Since you've had this problem for over a month, you may have some legal recourse available.

Again, please research your options before you take such strong action as charging your landlord or withholding rent.

If not charge them, have them take it off of your rent.