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If you live in Arizona, you already know Air-conditioning is no more a luxury to have. It’s one of the essentials, like food and water. The frequent question we get is: “my air-conditioning stopped working, and the landlord isn’t responding to my calls. What should I do?”
As per city rule, units must maintain a temperature of a maximum of 82 degrees. And if a tenant isn’t having the required cooling, he or she can file a complaint and the city will investigate the case.
So if your landlord hasn’t turned on the cooling system yet, or giving excuses, you can file a complaint. But before that, you need to let him/her know about the inconvenience first in writing.
Here’s what you need to know about Arizona’s renter rights and landlord’s duty:
As per Arizona’s landlord and tenant law, air conditioning is one of the essential needs. Therefore, it’s the landlord’s duty to fix the problem related to air-conditioning – usually within 2 days after your renter has complained.
Unfortunately, most landlords are very slow to act and resolve the problem, which can be dangerous for the tenant. So whatever the case, click this link to get your air-conditioner repaired quickly in Phoenix, Arizona.
Why is it dangerous if the air-conditioning is not working?
Arizona’s extreme heat is no stranger to anyone especially, if you’re living in Arizona. It has cities which are heat islands, containing tall concrete buildings which only intensify the temperature. In cities, like Tucson and Phoenix, the average summer temperature can reach more than 100 degrees, making it not only uncomfortable but dangerous!
There have been 150 and 155 deaths because of intense heat in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Aged and ill persons are most at risk because of the temperature. With the increase in heat, occasional load-shedding also occurs amid high demands for electricity. Thus, it becomes very dangerous for the old, ill, specifically people that require cooling medications.
Therefore, the government needed to list down Arizona renter’s rights in regards to air conditioning.
Arizona renter’s rights and air conditioning
According to the law, landlords are obliged to provide “essential services” in their rental unit.
The Arizona law Title 33-1364(A) explains the term “essential service” as:
“Water, electricity, or gas, or both, and a reasonable amount of heat, or hot water, cooling or air-conditioning, wherever such units are present or offered.”
What steps you need to take your air conditioning is not working
There are certain steps that you need to take before using the law.
First, let your landlord know by writing about the air-conditioning problem. Most landlords act without official notice. But if they don’t, a written letter will allow the law to take over from here.
If by any chance, the landlord fails to resolve the problem, then you can repair the air-conditioning yourself.
Once you’ve taken this step, you can withhold your rent up to the cost of repairs – remember to always notify your landlord in writing before you take such steps.
Also, make sure the landlord receives your notice by sending it through a process server or certified mail. This will help you in the law court in renter’s rights Arizona (air conditioning) if your case gets that far-flung.
What to do while waiting for the AC repair?
While you’re waiting for the landlord to fix the air conditioning problem, there are certain steps you need to take to ensure the safety of the elderly, sick, and yourself.
- Go to an air-conditioning building or a cooling station if there’s no electricity
- Drink plenty of water
- Take cool shower
- Avoid working in the hottest hours of the day
- Watch for the signs of heat sickness
Get help with Arizona renters rights in regards to air conditioning problems
It’s possible to forget about your rights in the face of problems, such as blackout, heatwave, or broken AC. Remember that there’s help by taking a look at the Arizona renters rights (air conditioning, temperature, cooling, electricity, and other essential services) act.
Wrapping Up
Search online at Arizona Landlord-Tenant Law under the heading of “services for the public.”
Or you can search online to fix the air-conditioning by the best air-conditioning companies in Arizona, no matter if you’re a tenant in an emergency; or you’re a landlord who wants to resolve the air-conditioning problem. For help, visit Arizona tenants.com or call 480-557-8905
