The fight for habitable living conditions in Tucson has escalated, as Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes laid down the law with a cease-and-desist to four local apartment complexes over severe neglect and hazardous living environments. The targeted properties, including Sixth Avenue Suites Apartments, Spanish Trail Suites, Oasis Apartments, and Eucalyptus Apartments, are under fire for a laundry list of issues ranging from broken air conditioning to potential asbestos exposure, according to a press release from the Attorney General’s Office.
Under the cease-and-desist order issued August 29, landlords are required to make immediate repairs, but as of Wednesday, Mayes remains vigilant, demanding tangible proof of corrective action for the broken air conditioning and she has taken a firm stance by asserting that “Tenants in Arizona have the right to live in safe, livable homes,” highlighting the severity of the conditions, with the threats to health and safety thanks to broken air conditioning, suspected asbestos, and rodent infestations which are not trifles, but threats, as per the Attorney General’s Office. The landlords’ alleged negligence is seen not only as a disregard for essential maintenance but also as a pointed violation of the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, along with the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act.
The Attorney General’s cease-and-desist detailed potential violations, including but not limited to inoperable climate control, mold risks, asbestos concerns, exposed wires, pest infestations, and structural disrepair. The Office demanded compliance with state and local living standards statutes, specifically calling for air conditioning repairs by September 5, with other hazards to be addressed by 5:00 p.m. today…