questions & answers

Question: Hi, I have a few questions. I have a landlord that recently told me the rent was going up by 200 dollars with about a 2 week notice via text message. Is that legal? Also, I had told her I was having an issue with foul odors coming from the hall restroom and requested her send a plumber or her handyman. This problem has been brought up to her previously as well and no action was taken on her part. She actually got upset with me at the request. She then by text again said she should have raised my rent to 1250 if she knew I was going to "complain". We also are having ac problems . Please help

Answer: Under Arizona law a residential landlord may raise the rent only at the end of a rental agreement (if the agreement has a specific end date) and only after providing the tenant with written notice and therefore the opportunity to either accept the increase and renew the agreement or decline and move out. Month-to-month rental agreements (which are agreements that have no specific end date) require a 30-day notice (A.R.S. 33-1375). Either party may terminate a month-to-month rental agreement with 30 days’ notice. A tenant who wants their landlord to make required repairs in keeping with the landlord’s obligation to “maintain fit premises” under A.R.S. 33-1324 should make request the repairs in a signed and dated letter.