“The 48-hour rule,” What are landlords required to do if an air conditioning unit fails?
LAS VEGAS ( KLAS ) — As a potentially record-breaking heat wave strikes and air conditioning units and electrical infrastructure are being tested across the Las Vegas valley, many tenants are weighing their options should those systems fail in their homes.
Experts say landlords are required to repair air conditioning units within 48 hours of receiving written notice of a failure. That statute is relevant anywhere a landlord and tenant relationship exists according to Kristopher Pre, Directing Attorney for Nevada Legal Services in Las Vegas.
Residents at "Tides at Cheyenne" say they've been experiencing issues with their electricity and water, in addition to the pool facilities being unavailable for the last year.
Jasmine Emery, a resident at the complex, said her power outlets don't function approximately half of the time.
"All the outlets in my kitchen don't work," Emery said. "All the outlets in my living room don't work."
Additionally, Emery said her air conditioning unit is unreliable, making life difficult for her special needs children. She said she can't simply move out.
"It's just hard," Emery said. "The cost of living isn't good out here."
She's not the only resident who has experienced problems. In addition to the residents who moved from the complex, Nicholas Giannakopoulos, who still lives at "Tides at Cheyenne," said his seven-month tenure at the facility has left him pessimistic as to management making those repairs.
"Everybody's air is going out," Giannakopoulos said. "Who do we call?"
Pre says one option for disgruntled residents is Nevada Legal Services, adding that that organization can help them navigate tenant rights, including the 48-hour air conditioning fix requirement. However, Pre said the so-called "48-hour rule," requires landlords to make their best effort to fix broken units.
"They don't have to fix it, but they have to use their best effort," Pre said. "What that means is up to the court to decide, unfortunately."
Pre added that another helpful hint is sending a landlord a certified letter. That can propel individuals to the front of the line for repairs. Additionally, tenants can deduct the cost of repairs from rent or repair the unit themselves and then sue the landlord for the cost to fix it.
The "Tides at Cheyenne" property manager didn't respond for comment Wednesday. Clark County data shows the facility has had four property managers at the facility since the start of 2023.
A telephone hotline is available for anyone experiencing these issues at (702) 895-1971.
