questions & answers

Question: I am renting a condo with a washing machine and dryer. The washing machine and dryer have only worked 6 out of the 9 months of my lease. The landlord replaced the appliances a few months ago, but they are now malfunctioning and flooding my kitchen when I try and do a load of laundry. A tech has been out twice to look at it, and claims there is no problem. I have asked the landlord for a break in rent this month due to the aggravation, as well as the fact that I am paying for a condo unit with a working washer and dryer. I can't get a response from my landlord or the realty company.

Answer: First refer to your lease, regarding to your landlord’s obligation regarding the washer and dryer. Secondly be aware of your responsibility of how to notify your landlord of the situation. See Arizona Tenants Rights and Responsibilities Handbook. There is a section called Non-Compliance by the Landlord under A.R.S. 33-1361, and a section entitled The Landlord is required to maintain fit premises, under A.R.S. 33-1364. These two sections can be located at www.azleg.gov. As far as asking the landlord for a reduction in the rent, this question is beyond the scope of AZLawHelp.org, and how the law applies to this specific question. Refer to AZLawHelp under Landlord and Tenants’ Right and Responsibilities for further direction.