Landlord and Tenant Rights and Responsibilities

questions & answers

Question: I owe $33.03 for the month of December. They attached to my door if I don't pay this amount. Which I will when I get my social security. They will not accept January's rent. Can they do this

Answer: Under Arizona law, a landlord may refuse to accept rent for a future month if rent for a previous month has not yet been paid. In fact, if a landlord accepts partial payment of whatever rent is currently owed without stating in a writing to the tenant exactly what the amount paid is for and how that payment will or will not affect the tenant’s past, present, and future rent obligations, then the landlord may be unable to evict the tenant for non-payment of rent (A.R.S. 33-1371). A tenant who is behind on rent should attempt to catch up as soon as possible and be sure to obtain receipts (or proof of any other kind) of all payments made.