questions & answers

Question: My apartment owners are known for being cheep, with this they have neglected to maintain the sewage system thus backing it up. It has happened a few times. This time it flooded my apartment with other peoples urine. The carpets have not been replaced in 5+ years. Their solution is for us to clean it up ourselves. The only thing they did was entered the apartment unannounced to use without leaving any information they had been in there to vacuum. Its still wet. What laws is this violating and can we as tenants make them replace the carpets and reimburse us for ruined clothes in the bathroom?

Answer: The landlord/tenant act requires a landlord to keeping necessary plumbing and sanitary facilities "in good and safe working order" (ARS-33-1324 A 4)a sewage back up not caused by you would violate this provision. If you have not already done do notify the landlord in writing of the situation and give him tens days to make any necessary repairs. If he fails to do so you can terminate the rental argreement and sue for any damages. (ARS 33-1361).