questions & answers

Question: My landlord is withholding all of my security deposit for strange charges I did not know were acceptable. She is charging us for external AC cleaning($350),grass replacement($320),interior paint($880), we filled any holes we made with pictures, we always changed our filter on time, and we had a hired landscaper, how are these items the tenants responsibility and is she allowed to charge us for items that we did not damage, but should be considered wear and tear?

Answer:

You may want to consult with an attorney to see how the laws apply to your specific situation. The following is general landlord/tenet information.

A tenant can request the security deposit back after he/she has moved out, the landlord must return it or provide an itemized list of all of the deductions taken for property damage and the balance of the deposit within 14 days. If the landlord fails to do so, the tenant can then file suit in a justice court and recover twice the amount wrongfully withheld.

According to Arizona law A.R.S. §§ 33-1322 – 1324 the landlord is obligated to:

•provide the tenant with the name and address of the property’s owner and manager

•Provide the tenant with a free copy of the Arizona Landlord and Tenant Act

•Provide the tenant with a signed copy of the lease

 •Provide the tenant with possession of the residence

•Comply with applicable building codes

•Make necessary repairs so that the residence is habitable

•Keep common areas clean

•Maintain all electrical, plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning equipment

•Provide for the removal of trash

•Supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water