questions & answers

Question: I just moved into a house that i am renting. I received my first gas and water bill witch were outrageous prices. After calling the water and gas company we discovered that there was a leak under the house. They discovered that the remodel was done improperly breaking on of the pipes. He fixed the issue in a matter of days. But i feel that i should not have to pay the water or gas bill. He is refusing to pay them. Is there anything I can do?

Answer: This is for informational purposes only, you may want to consult an attorney for advice.

In Arizona, when a lease is entered into, the landlord and the tenant each have rights and responsibilities. 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


Other Noncompliance by the Landlord A.R.S. § 33-1361.

If the landlord fails to comply with the lease in a material way, the tenant can deliver a written notice to the landlord explaining the failure and stating that the lease will terminate in 10 days. If the landlord’s noncompliance is materially affecting the tenant’s health and safety, then the same notice can state that the lease will end in 5 days. There are two exceptions. First, if the problem can be fixed before the date specified on the notice, then the lease will continue. Second, the problem cannot have been cause by the tenant or his guest.

For more information on Landlord and Tenant obligations please read the article “Landlord and Tenant Rights and Responsibilities” at http://azlawhelp.org/articles_info.cfm?mc=3&sc=24&articleid=46

More information is provided under the Arizona Residential Landlord Tenant Act, which can be found in the Arizona Revised Statutes.