Who is responsible for servicing the air conditioner in a rental?

Consumer Affairs Victoria says the rental provider must organise and pay for all repairs unless the renter caused the problem. A cooling appliance supplied by the rental provider that isn't working is on the list of urgent repairs, which must be done immediately. Regular servicing helps avoid those breakdowns, and the Victorian Government suggests having a reverse-cycle unit serviced at the frequency the manufacturer recommends.

Cleaning the washable filters in a split system is quick: switch the unit off, lift the front panel, slide the filters out, vacuum or rinse them, let them dry and refit them. The Victorian Government suggests cleaning reverse-cycle filters about twice a year, or more often with heavy use, and dirty filters cut airflow and efficiency. Keep the outdoor unit clear of plants, bins and stored items.

Anything beyond that, such as opening covers, cleaning the coil or fan, or anything to do with the refrigerant, is for a technician. Refrigerant work needs a refrigerant handling licence.

Write to the agent or rental provider with what the unit is doing, any error code on the display, when it started and whether the safety switch has tripped. A dripping indoor unit, ice on the pipes or a unit that cuts out on hot afternoons is worth reporting early, before the first hot northerly day rather than during it. Keep a copy of what you send.