If the Landlord isn't living up to its part of the lease agreement, can I break my lease?

Question

I live in Phoenix AZ and have had deplorable conditions since I moved into my apt in June 2005. In the first nine months, the water was turned off 14 times without any notice whatsoever! Now that it's March 2007, the water has been turned off for about a total of 25 times..sometimes with notice & sometimes not. There always is some kind of "water emergency" going on or that's their excuse anyway! I work late morning into the late evening & I need to take a shower so that I can go to work. One of my co-workers also said that not having water at all is in violation of a health code. I have been late to work numerous times due to not being able to take a shower before I go to work. I pay almost $900/month and have always been on time paying my rent & I expect to have water when I need it. Also, I just noticed out in the hallway, they haven't replaced the fire extinguisher since they painted the buildings at the end of the year..isn't that some type of violation? Thanks in advance

Answer 1

I'd call the city inspector and get them out there. The fire extinguisher is a big issue. So is the water.

You might need to go to court to get out of this lease, or at least to do a rent escrow until the problems are fixed.

Answer 2

Leasing agent East Phx........You do have recourse. Get a copy of the "Landlord and Tenant Act" That is the law that governs rental properties. Do make quotes from it. Carefully document every incident that has occurred on your property. Document every conversation with management. Get these documents added to your apt file. KEEP copies. Utilities must be provided to tenants. Show to the management company the failure of management to uphold their end of the lease. You must also show that one rental period has expired without resolving their issues to your lease. Then give a constructive eviction notice (30 day notice to vacate ) based on the lack of utilities and health and safety to your apartment. Hand deliver to mgr, also Certifiy a mailing to the mgr. Also keep copies in your own files. I have worked at several of these types of properties. Most residents do not know how to resove this. I do feel for them. Also I have had to leave several jobs because of old properties, and bad mgmt.

Answer 3

Send a certified letter to him/her demanding these get fixed and until they do... you hold your rent. I pay 1375/a month and can't even get a garbage disposal or a leaky tub fixed...
LANDLORDS SUCK!!

Answer 4

I lived in a place like that. Move. You don't need that aggravation.