questions & answers

Question: I have a leak in a water pipe and my carpet is soaked and there is a musty smell that I'm afraid could be mold. The manager says I have to wait until the owner has the money to get it fixed. Can I legally hire a plumber and give the bill to my landlord or deduct the cost from my rent?

Answer: Landlord/tenant disputes are governed by the Arizona Landlord and Tenant Act.  The key thing under the Act is that to trigger your right to any remedy, you must notify the landlord of the problem in writing and either hand-deliver it to the manager or send it by certified mail with return receipt.  Keep a copy of any notice you give and make sure you date the document.  Arizona Revised Statutes, Section 33-1363 allows for self-help only if the cost of the repairs is less than $300 or equal to 1/2 of the monthly rent, whichever amount is greater.  If the estimated cost is less than 1/2 your monthly rent, you can notify the landlord in writing that you are making the repairs if he does not fix the problem within 10 days.