questions & answers

Question: I have lived in the same apartment for the last 3 years. It is a 30+ year old complex and has had few if any true upgrades. It was recently sold to another company and AMC took over the management of the property. In addition to a Common Area Maintenance fee attached to the utility bill, they refuse to come down in price of the monthly rent. Is this a case of price gouging and also is the CAM fee legal?

Answer: Concerning the rent price: residential landlords in Arizona are not required to reduce the monthly rent that tenants must pay as a building ages. They are permitted to charge whatever amount the market will bear (subject to applicable rules and regulations). Concerning the CAM fee: the fee (1) must be reasonable and (2) may only be charged if your current rental agreement permits it or after formal notice has been given and you have consented to the new fee by renewing your rental agreement. (A tenant generally may not be required to pay for a fee to which they have not agreed.)