If a rental property in Arizona fails to meet legally required health and safety standards, tenants have the right to report their landlord to local public officials who may choose to follow up, inspect the property and cite the landlord for such violations.
What Are Considered Unsafe Living Conditions in Arizona?
In Arizona, any issue that impacts health and safety could potentially create unsafe living conditions, but a rental property is specifically unsafe when a rental property doesn’t have safe and working:
- Plumbing.
- Seasonally appropriate heating and cooling.
- Hot water.
- Garbage containers and removal.
- Provided facilities and appliances.
- Common areas.
What Should Tenants Do Before Reporting a Violation in Arizona?
In most cases, before reporting a violation, a tenant in Arizona must notify the landlord in writing about the issue and ask him to fix it within five days.
How Can Tenants Report a Violation in Arizona?
Tenants in Arizona should report violations to the local office or officers responsible for housing code enforcement. The exact process depends on municipality.
| Location | Organization | Contact |
| Phoenix | myPHX311 | Online Form |
| Tucson | Code Enforcement | Online Form |
| Mesa | Code Compliance | Online Form |
After receiving a complaint, an inspecting officer might contact the tenant for more information. Then the officer will usually inspect the property and cite the landlord for any code violations.
How Can a Tenant Report a Health or Safety Violation in Phoenix?
A tenant in Phoenix can report a health or safety violation by calling Code Compliance at (602) 534-4444 or by using the online form provided by the myPHX311 service. Enter contact information, describe issue and location, review, and submit.
How Can a Tenant Report a Health or Safety Violation in Tucson?
A tenant in Tucson can report a health or safety violation by calling Code Enforcement at (520) 791-5843 or using the provided online form. Most complaints will fall under “Minimum Housing Standards.” Describe the issue, provide location and contact information, then submit.
How Can a Tenant Report a Health or Safety Violation in Mesa?
A tenant in Mesa can report a health or safety violation by calling Code Compliance at (480) 644-2061 or using the provided online form. The site requires account registration including personal information and a mailing address. Click “Submit Code Complaint,” check “Code Compliance,” then enter location, description, review, and submit.
What Could Happen to a Landlord After a Complaint Is Made in Arizona?
After a tenant files a complaint about unsafe living conditions in Arizona, an officer may inspect the property. The landlord must fix noted code violations, typically within 14-28 days. Otherwise, the landlord could be fined and the local government might file to condemn the property.
Sources
- 1 Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 33-1324(A) (2022)
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“The landlord shall: 1. Comply with the requirements of applicable building codes materially affecting health and safety as prescribed in section 9-1303. 2. Make all repairs and do whatever is necessary to put and keep the premises in a fit and habitable condition. 3. Keep all common areas of the premises in a clean and safe condition. 4. Maintain in good and safe working order and condition all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air-conditioning and other facilities and appliances, including elevators, supplied or required to be supplied by him. 5. Provide and maintain appropriate receptacles and conveniences for the removal of ashes, garbage, rubbish and other waste incidental to the occupancy of the dwelling unit and arrange for their removal. 6. Supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water at all times, reasonable heat and reasonable air-conditioning or cooling where such units are installed and offered, when required by seasonal weather conditions…”
Source Link - 2 Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 33-1361(A) (2022)
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“…If there is a noncompliance by the landlord with section 33-1324 [landlord duties] materially affecting health and safety, the tenant may deliver a written notice to the landlord specifying the acts and omissions constituting the breach and that the rental agreement will terminate upon a date not less than five days after receipt of the notice if the breach is not remedied in five days.”
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