Landlord and Tenant Rights and Responsibilities

questions & answers

Question: Today is Saturday we have no power or running water land lord doesnt know how long it will take to fix do they have to furnish us a place to stay until it is fixed?

Answer: A landlord’s duties regarding the maintenance of a property ae set out by A.R.S. §33-1324. This rule states that the landlord shall comply applicable building codes that affect the health and safety of tenants. Specifically in A.R.S. §33-1324(4), the landlord is to maintain good and safe working conditions of all electrical, plumbing, air conditioning, and other facilities. In addition, A.R.S. §33-1324(6) is to supply running water . . . reasonable heat and reasonable air-conditioning. A tenant must give notice to the landlord and a reasonable opportunity to remedy the situation. If the landlord does not fix the problem within a reasonable time the tenant does have options, which are presented below. Per A.R.S. §33-1364, should the landlord deliberately or negligently fail to supply running water, gas, or electricity the tenant may provide reasonable notice to the landlord and do one of the following: 1) obtain reasonable amounts of hot water, running water, heat during the time the landlord is not complying and reduce the amount of rent paid by the amount of the materials they sought; 2) may recover damages based upon the reduction in the fair rental value of the property; or 3) can obtain reasonable substitute housing during the period of the landlord’s noncompliance. Should a tenant choose the third option, the tenant is excused from paying rent for the period of the landlord’s noncompliance.