The first thing the tenant needs to do is check her lease to see what it says about appliances and, if mentioned specifically, refrigerators. Under California state law, a refrigerator is an amenity, so it is possible that the lease provides that the tenant is responsible for repairs. If the lease contains such a provision, the tenant should check local ordinances. (Additional requirements may also apply if the rental property receives any form of housing subsidy, in which case the agency that provides the subsidy may advise.)

If the landlord has not included anything in the lease that would reduce his obligations, a landlord is normally responsible to repair appliances that are provided with a rental property. Information on trying to obtain or repair the premises may be found here.