questions & answers

Question: There is mold epidemic in my storage room. My possessions that were stored in there are destroyed and they are doing major repairs that will require to tear down walls leave me without hot water. I am asthmatic and have allergies. What are my options?

Answer: This is for informational purposes only, you may want to consult an attorney for legal advice. During the time that an issue is being fixed by your landlord, they are required to provide you with accommodations in the meantime. Under A.R.S. 33-1364. Wrongful failure to supply heat, air conditioning, cooling, water, hot water or essential services: A. If contrary to the rental agreement or section 33-1324 the landlord deliberately or negligently fails to supply running water, gas or electrical service, or both if applicable, and reasonable amounts of hot water or heat, air-conditioning or cooling, where such units are installed and offered, or essential services, the tenant may give reasonable notice to the landlord specifying the breach and may do one of the following: 3. Procure reasonable substitute housing during the period of the landlord's noncompliance, in which case the tenant is excused from paying rent for the period of the landlord's noncompliance. In the event the periodic cost of such substitute housing exceeds the amount of the periodic rent, upon delivery by tenant of proof of payment for such substitute housing, tenant may recover from landlord such excess costs up to an amount not to exceed twenty-five per cent of the periodic rent which has been excused pursuant to this paragraph.