questions & answers

Question: I have rented a room in my home to a lady and her 7 cat and 2 rabbits for 4 years. It started as a "to help someone out" situation to she is a hoarder and does not want to move. I understand I can take legal action to force her to move but what about the animals. I can not take care of them and I am afraid she will just leave them here. Can I force her to take her animal with her? Thank you.

Answer: According to ARS 33-1375, “The landlord or the tenant may terminate a month-to-month tenancy by a written notice given to the other at least thirty days prior to the periodic rental date specified in the notice.” The “periodic rental date” is the beginning of the next rental term. A.R.S. § 33-1368, discusses abandonment. Under Arizona law, if the premises have been abandoned, the landlord cannot dispose of or sell any of the tenant’s personal property for 21 days. (A.R.S. §§ 33-1368E – 33-1370). For legal advice regarding your issue, you may want to contact a licensed attorney.