questions & answers

Question: I have been living in my unit since July 2014. Now I did not have roaches before I moved in but once I moved in, I started seeing them here and there. I did notify my leasing office management about the issue and have had my unit sprayed 4 times. It seems that everytime I call them about this issue they just say oh ok will put you on the list and than hang up. Now I have 3 small children including a infant and the roaches are increasing. What can I do about this issue and if its not resolved, can I get out of my lease?

Answer: According the Landlord/Tenant Act if the roach infestation approaches the level where it is "materially affecting health and safety, the tenant may deliver a written notice to the landlord specifying the acts and ommissions consitituting the breach and that the rental agreement will terminate upon a date not less than five days after receipt of the notice if the breach is not remedied within five days". A.R.S. 33-1361 A. You cannot terminate if the landlord fixes the problem within five days or if you are the cause of the problem.