AC repair for tenant

[Horacio Gutierrez]

Hello,

If I have an window AC in California can I put a clause that says the tenant is responsible for any repairs and maintenance or by law the landlord has to fix it?

[Corby Goade]

I don't what what is or is not legal in your area, but I can tell you that you get what you give. If you are providing a window AC for your tenants and it goes out and you refuse to repair or replace it, your tenant is going to feel like you don't care, regardless of what your contract says. 

If a tenant feels you don't care, they won't care- they'll have less regard for you and for your property. 

In general, I am not a fan of trying to put the cost and responsibilities for any repairs or upgrades on tenants. You are much better off screening thoroughly on the front end, finding great tenants and treating them and your property well, as opposed to trying to pass off costs to tenants who either start out mediocre or become problems because they don't feel the landlord cares for them or the property. I'd suck it up and pay the theoretical $250 for a new AC if the one provided dies. 

Best of luck!