General Housing Information

questions & answers

Question: What can I do if the landlaord turns off the chiller system for the whole apartment complex and it's over 100 degrees outside

Answer: The law specifically states:
•Your landlord must keep all appliances, which they supply, in working order.
•Your landlord must provide you with a way to dispose of garbage.
•Your landlord must make it possible for you to receive running water, including hot water.
•Your landlord must supply everything they promised in the lease. They can only shut off your utilities in a few very limited situations.

In some rental relationships the landlord has exclusive control over utilities, including water, gas, electricity and air conditioning. In such situations, the landlord cannot fail to supply the promised utility(s). If your landlord violates this promise, you must first request in writing that your landlord supply the services. If the landlord does not supply the service(s), you can either:
•Buy the service(s) yourself and deduct the cost from the rent;
•Sue the landlord for the amount by which your home or apartment is reduced in value because of the lack of service(s);
•Temporarily rent another place and not pay rent for the apartment that lacks service(s). In addition the tenant may then recover up to 25% of his daily rent if the substitute housing costs more than the daily rent he owed his landlord. Remember you must write to your landlord and tell them of the problem before you do any of these things, and it cannot be a problem caused by you, your family or a guest.

For more information, the statutes for landlord/tenant rights can be found at A.R.S. §§ 33-1322 – 1324.