questions & answers

Question: My 21 unit apartment complex with new owner and management now want to charge utility charges for trash/sewer/water but there are only one main meter and no individual meter on each unit. The water usage is community pool and landscape. Can we be charged separately for usage without a meter attached to my unit?

Answer: The following is provided for general information only. Refer to the terms of the rental lease agreement to determine what obligations are owed by the landlord and tenant under the lease agreement. According to A.R.S. § 33-1342, a rule or regulation adopted after the tenant enters into the rental agreement is enforceable against the tenant if a thirty day notice of its adoption is given to the tenant and it does not constitute a substantial modification of the tenant's rental agreement. For more information on Landlord and Tenant obligations please read the article “Landlord and Tenant Rights and Responsibilities (http://azlawhelp.org/articles_info.cfm?mc=3&sc=24&articleid=46)”. The Arizona Department of Housing (http://www.azhousing.gov/ShowPage.aspx?ID=484&CID=11) has a copy of the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (http://www.azhousing.gov/azcms/uploads/PUBLICATIONS/Landlord%20Tenant%20Act.pdf). To find out how the law applies to specific circumstances, please explore the Legal Assistance (http://www.azlawhelp.org/legalaidlisting.cfm) page on this website to seek assistance from an attorney.