questions & answers

Question: As a tenant am I able to send the owner a bill for time spent at the property assisting with maintenance and work done to repair numerous deferred maintenance issues? I calculated at least 55 hours whereby I was expected to be at the property when workers repaired faucets and broken pipes and the need to tear up and replace kitchen tiles, and more. I had to take time out from my work to help the owner fix her property - how can that be correct?

Answer: I always recommend consulting the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act found here: https://housing.az.gov/sites/default/files/documents/files/AZ%20Residential%20Landlord%20and%20Tenant%20Act%20-%20Revised%20July%203%202015.pdf Had you actually performed the work or paid for the work, you may be able to seek reimbursement for it pursuant to the landlord tenant act or under an unjust enrichment/quantum meruit theory. If what you are seeking is payment for the time you had to take off from work to let workers in and be there while they worked, unfortunately I am not aware of any means for you to recover any money for that time and effort. In the future, you are not required to be present. The landlord is responsible for making and supervising the repairs. Please note that I am providing general information based on the very limited information available to me. I am unable to provide you with legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created hereby. I wish you the best in this and all your endeavors.