questions & answers

Question: I leased my house to a couple with a teenage daughter. It has been month to month after the first year. The wife signed the lease in her name only and then the couple divorced. She moved out and the ex-husband stayed with his daughter in the house. Is the ex-husband still liable for the provisions of the lease his ex-wife signed? Or is the ex-wife responsible? Thank you.

Answer: Tenant Obligations In addition to the obligation to pay rent on time, a tenant must do the following under Arizona law. A.R.S. §§ 33-1341 & 33-1344. • Keep the residence clean and safe •Remove and dispose of trash •Keep all plumbing fixtures clean •Use electrical appliances, heating and air-conditioning systems and plumbing in a reasonable manner •Not deliberately or negligently damage the property or allow someone else to do so •Unless agreed otherwise, use the property only as a residence Landlord Obligations A landlord is required to do the following under Arizona law. A.R.S. §§ 33-1322 – 1324. •Provide the tenant with the name and address of the property’s owner and manager •Provide the tenant with a free copy of the Arizona Landlord and Tenant Act •Provide the tenant with a signed copy of the lease •Provide the tenant with possession of the residence •Comply with applicable building codes •Make necessary repairs so that the residence is habitable •Keep common areas clean •Maintain all electrical, plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning equipment •Provide for the removal of trash •Supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water for more information please see: http://www.azhousing.gov/