Eviction

questions & answers

Question: Cana ladlord evict a person who is dealing with disabilities such as bipolar and alcoholism?

Answer: A landlord may not discriminate against an individual that suffers from a disability. The federal Fair Housing Act is interpreted to include as disability, any physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more life activities. Alcoholism and mental illness are specifically referenced. Major life activities include seeing, hearing, walking, breathing, performing manual tasks, caring for one's self, learning, speaking, or working. Discrimination can include charging more, denying services, or eviction that is not based on a legitimate basis. If there is a legitimate basis for eviction such as non-payment of rent, an eviction may still be able to go forward. You should consult the Arizona Residential Landlord Tenant Act for what constitute valid bases for eviction. You can find it here: http://www.azhousing.gov/azcms/uploads/PUBLICATIONS/Landlord%20Tenant%20Act.pdf You or the affected person should consider calling for assistance. If you live in the city of Phoenix, you can leave a message at 602.262.7210 and a counselor will call you back.