Resources for Seniors

questions & answers

Question: i'm a tenant senior asking if my landlord has to provide heating for me in the winter. hope to hear from you soon. thanks

Answer:

A landlord is required to do the following under Arizona law. A.R.S. §§ 33-1322 – 1324.

 •Provide the tenant with the name and address of the property’s owner and manager

 •Provide the tenant with a free copy of the Arizona Landlord and Tenant Act

 •Provide the tenant with a signed copy of the lease

 •Provide the tenant with possession of the residence

 •Comply with applicable building codes

 •Make necessary repairs so that the residence is habitable

•Keep common areas clean

 •Maintain all electrical, plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning equipment

 •Provide for the removal of trash

 •Supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water 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.