Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is calling for urgent action after a man died and another was hospitalized at a Phoenix apartment complex where multiple units lacked proper air conditioning.
The incident occurred at The Elton Apartment Homes, managed by Diamond Asset Management LLC, near 24th Street and Thomas Road.
According to the attorney general’s office, the complex experienced an air-conditioning failure starting July 5. Within five days, nearly all units were without functional A/C.
Some residents were given portable units, but even those only cooled apartments to about 83–87º, based on residents’ accounts.
One resident, a 66-year-old man who wasn’t provided a portable unit, died this week. A pregnant woman, whose unit reached 97º, was hospitalized over the weekend.
The AG’s office says the complex didn’t offer any accommodations until July 16, when they finally issued a letter to residents.
“I’m appalled at the conditions these tenants were forced to experience, especially during the summer heat. It is unacceptable. Diamond Asset Management and Elton Apartment Homes must take immediate action to ensure their residents have safe and habitable living conditions, including air conditioning, as they are guaranteed under the law,” Mayes said in a press release.
“My office is reviewing what took place here, including the death and hospitalization of residents. The failure to provide adequate A/C is gravely dangerous.”
The AG’s office has given the complex a deadline of Friday at 5 p.m. to restore A/C to all affected units and provide written confirmation.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Arizona law requires landlords to maintain fully functional cooling systems. In Phoenix and Tucson, where additional municipal rules apply, indoor temperatures in air-conditioned rentals must stay at or below 82º in all habitable rooms, including bathrooms. For units with evaporative coolers, the maximum allowed temperature is 86º.
What Renters Should Do if Their A/C Breaks:
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Notify your landlord immediately. Call first, then follow up with a written notice—certified mail is recommended. If you have a medical condition made worse by heat, include that in your message and request proper accommodations.
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Landlords must act fast. If the temperature is over 100º, they must fix the A/C within five days of written notice. If it’s under 100º, they have ten days unless local laws say otherwise.
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Use the self-help repair law if needed. If your landlord doesn’t act, Arizona law allows tenants to fix the issue and deduct the cost from rent. You must follow specific steps for this to be legal.
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You may be able to break your lease. If repairs aren’t made in time, tenants may have the right to terminate their lease or sue for damages.
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Utilities can’t be shut off as punishment. Even if you’re behind on rent, your landlord can’t legally cut off your A/C or other utilities.
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File a complaint if needed. If your landlord won’t respond, submit a Consumer Complaint with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office—online or by phone:
Phoenix Office: (602) 542-5763
Tucson Office: (520) 628-6648
Outside Metro Areas: (800) 352-8431
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
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