questions & answers

Question: Due to the COVID-19 Virus my husband and I aren't letting anyone in the house and practicing social distancing. My husband isn a Pharmacist and may have been in contact. Our owner wants to refinance but we're uncomfortable letting an appraiser inside during this time. We're also afraid of the owner deciding not to let us resign due to this. We asked if they could postpone at least until quarantine is up. What should we d?

Answer: Under the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, a landlord is permitted to show the rented dwelling but is required to provide the tenant with a minimum of two days’ advance notice and may enter only at reasonable times (A.R.S. 33-1343(D)), while the tenant cannot “unreasonably withhold consent” by refusing to allow the landlord access (A.R.S. 33-1343(A)). However, the Act was not written with a pandemic situation in mind. If a virtual tour will not be possible, it will be up to the landlord and the tenant to come to an arrangement while considering whether and how existing stay-at-home orders apply.