questions & answers

Question: Since I moved in I have asked management to repair numerus things. Fill many cracks everywhere to avoid water damage and bugs from other apts. Tiny squirt of caulking on tub dried and separated. I now have LOTS of roaches AND bed bugs because they wouldn't do their jobs. They have caller ID so when I call they ignore me. They told me so. They offered me another apartment with a $275 transfer fee. I already paid over $700 security fee. I'm disabled, on SSI. What can I do?

Answer: As a first step, it is always recommended that tenants make requests for repairs in writing. A signed and dated letter describing the problem in detail and requesting that the problem be fixed as soon as possible in fulfillment of the landlord’s obligation to “maintain fit premises” under A.R.S. Section 33-1324 of the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ARLTA) is sometimes more effective than a verbal request. The tenant should keep copies of all correspondence. If, even after receiving a formal written request, the landlord still fails to comply with the ARLTA, then the tenant may wish to speak with a legal advocate to further discuss their rights and responsibilities. There are links to free and low-cost legal services on this website (at http://www.azlawhelp.org/accessToJustice).