questions & answers

Question: Over the weekend my apartment flooded but not just water. Feces flooded both showers and kitchen into the entries of the bedrooms, actual pieces of feces are seen floating around. Management is only going to get the carpets cleaned. I have never experienced this and seeking advice. I strongly feel the carpet needs to be replaced. Its feces! not just water flood. I have kids as well playing and running around on the floors. I feel disgusted at this point. Please Help!!

Answer: Under the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, a tenant who is facing a serious problem that falls within the responsibility of the landlord under A.R.S. 33-1324 and that “materially affects health and safety” may deliver to the landlord a signed and dated letter describing the problem in detail and stating that the rental agreement will terminate if the landlord does not fix the problem within 5 days after the landlord receives the letter (A.R.S. 33-1361(A)). However, if you do not wish to terminate your rental agreement even if your landlord does not fix the problem right away, you may wish to consult with a legal advocate about what the landlord’s rights and responsibilities are in this kind of situation. There are links to free and low-cost legal services on this website (at http://www.azlawhelp.org/accessToJustice).