What Do I Do When My Landlord Refuses To Make Repairs?

A.R.S. §33-1324 requires a landlord to:

• Comply with the requirements of applicable building codes materially affecting health and safety.
• Make all repairs and do whatever is necessary to put and keep the premises in a fit and habitable condition.
• Keep common areas in a clean and safe condition.
• Maintain in good and safe working order and condition all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air conditioning etc.
• Provide and maintain appropriate receptacles for waste removal
• Supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water at all times, reasonable heat and with a few exceptions, supply reasonable air conditioning or cooling.
  

Out of state landlords do have an obligation to you, so don't allow yourself to be alienated by property managers. If the property manager refuses to make repairs then approach the out of state landlord directly via a phone call or letter. Approach everyone in the spirit of cooperation and try to rectify problems not make demands. By explaining the nature of the problem to as many people as possible someone along the way may empathize with you.

Out of state owners must designate and record with the assessor a statutory agent who lives in Arizona and will accept legal service on behalf of the owner. The fact that your landlord utilizes a property management company does not relieve them of this obligation. Many in state and out of state landlords don't even have their property registered with the county as a rental. This also does not relieve them of obligations to tenants. In fact, residential rental property is not to be occupied if the aforementioned is not filed with the county assessor.

If you are not getting a response from your landlord on matters concerning repair then you should contact an attorney for legal advise. Most of us don't have the money for that, however. My suggestion is to start by reading Leasing Real Property by Michelle Lind, Esquire. You will need to seek the advice of legal counsel at some point, however, since articles are not meant to be legal advise.

Become an educated and aware tenant. Read the Residential Landlord Tenant Act for further information regarding your rights as a landlord or a tenant. When searching for rental property consult a licensed Realtor and thoroughly inspect the property prior to moving in. In addition to that get all promises in writing.

SHED EVOLUTION

SHED EVOLUTION

By: Advantage Inspection Service


How is it possible to add more space to a home without the mess, noise and big expense? Start by looking to the garden - the garden shed, that is.

For some homeowners, an unused shed holds the promise of a separate work office, a bath spa, or maybe an artist's studio. And for others, an unused garden shed is an excellent spot, well, for gardening.

The best way to determine what an unused shed has to offer is to clear out any existing clutter. Often sheds become the repository for broken lawn equipment, old furniture and assorted small items. A shed can clean up very nicely and present a host of opportunities.

Most sheds have walls, a door and a roof, but sometimes little else. To ensure that a shed can stand up to a variety of weather conditions, it may be best to add insulation. An electrical system is needed to power lights, computer, radio, fan and other needs. Piping for electrical wires may need to be installed. The next step is installing, taping and painting drywall. Depending on the desired use of the shed, a water source might be necessary as well, probably requiring the services of a licensed plumber.

To access available light, an existing door can be replaced by a framed glass door. One ambitious remodeler wanted as much natural light as possible and replaced an entire wall with one made out of glass. But what about life in a shed? At the Modern-Shed Web site, you can purchase an outdoor shed that can accomplish a variety of purposes, including use as a permanent shelter.

Modern-Shed sells sheds in kits that are shipped and assembled on site. There are five different styles that range from a basic model to a much more elaborate and luxurious one. Each style can be configured or customized differently. For example, the Garden Shed is eight feet by ten feet and starts out at approximately $5,000. The 10 x 12 foot Studio starts at $13,000. The Dwelling, a 14 x 30 foot model begins at under $50,000. And any Modern Shed can be disassembled and taken along to the next back yard.

Ecospace Sheds are another option, available in modular form, built from sustainable material and causes minimal site disturbance. They feature a planted green roof system which provides a cooler interior as well as a pleasing aesthetic experience.

MetroShed provides do-it-yourself backyard sheds that, according to company literature, can be assembled in less than a day using only a screw gun, ladder and gloves. Components include cedar framing, insulated wall panels, aluminum sliding glass doors, ventilation shutters with screens and wood floor panels.

For newly installed sheds, most municipalities allow a garden storage shed of up to 120 sq ft. It's always best to check with local building departments regarding code and permit requirements.