Question: My landlord is trying to evict us for non-payment of rent. I called her and offered to pay her rent through a charity. She refused it and said that she does not accept rent from charities. Can I use this as a defense?
Answer: Arizona Revised Statute section 33-1314 allows a landlord to set terms and conditions of the rental agreement including the manner and place of payment of rent. There is no provision of the Arizona Residential Landlord & Tenant that prohibits a landlord from refusing a particular payment method such as credit cards, personal checks, or payments from third parties on behalf of a tenant. Be sure to include any late fees in your tender of rent and bring along a witness who can testify in court on your behalf if necessary
October 23, 2006
Legal Services Corporation