If the
air-conditioning goes out, renters need to follow the proper steps to ensure
they get the unit repaired the right way, in a timely manner.
1. Notify your
community manager or the rental owner as soon as the AC unit goes out. It’s best
to document the situation, in case of any issue.
2. Don’t try to
repair the unit yourself. This may cause unintentional damage to the AC unit
and the landlord could hold you liable for repairs.
3. You have a
right to habitability in your rental unit and management must make repairs
within five days. After that, residents are permitted to remedy the situation
on their own, at the owner’s/ manager’s expense. A renter may hire a professional
to repair the AC or they can move out and take expenses out of next month’s
rent. Expenses are limited to $300 or half the monthly rent, whichever is
greater. You must document these expenses in order to take them.
4. Document all
conversations regarding the repair and pay rent on time. Withholding rent or
paying late to encourage service may result in forfeiting your right for
reimbursement.
Your city’s
neighborhood services office may also be able to help. The Arizona Multihousing
Association, the Phoenix Association of Realtors, and the City of Phoenix Neighborhood
Services Department partnered to create a set of recommended heating and
cooling temperature requirements for habitable spaces.
The Law
Department with the City of Phoenix (https://www.phoenix.gov/nsd/ programs/compliance) researched other city
ordinances and recommended the following heating and cooling temperature
requirements for habitable spaces:
» 70 degrees Fahrenheit for heating.
» 86 degrees Fahrenheit for evaporative cooling.
» 82 degrees Fahrenheit for air conditioning.