questions & answers

Question: We moved in on may 24 on may 25 we tried contacting front office of refrigerator not working daughter in law went in to main office on a Monday they told her following Wednesday maintenance would be in 2 weeks later maintenance shows up says it needs freon another week passes still fridge not fixed all food now spoiled contract does say tenant responsible for kiss but doesn't say tenant responsible for loss if complex neglegent do I get reimbursed for food lost

Answer: The Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act does not specify whether a landlord is responsible for reimbursing a tenant in such situations. However, it does state that a landlord must “make all repairs and do whatever is necessary to put and keep the premises in a fit and habitable condition” and “maintain in good and safe working order and condition all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air-conditioning and other facilities and appliances ... supplied or required to be supplied by him” (A.R.S. 33-1324). A tenant who has suffered monetary damages as a result of a landlord’s failure to fulfill the landlord’s obligations under the A.R.S. 33-1324 may wish to send the landlord a detailed letter describing what happened and requesting reimbursement. The tenant always has the option of suing the landlord in small claims court but proving damages can be difficult and a negotiated resolution is usually the preferable option.