Am I covered?

Phoenix's rule doesn't apply

• WhyThis rule is part of the City of Phoenix's code. Check the code of the city where the home is. The Arizona Attorney General says Tucson also uses 82°F.
• State lawArizona's landlord and tenant law applies across the state. For a specific situation, a tenant organization or an attorney can advise you.

Not a rental, so not covered

• WhyThe cooling limits apply to rental housing units.

No City limit to enforce

• WhyThe 82°F and 86°F limits apply where cooling systems are installed. We found no line in § 39-5 that requires an owner to add cooling to a home that never had it.
• Other rulesState law on habitable conditions may still apply. A tenant organization or an attorney can advise you about a specific home.

Cooling can't just be removed

• The codeA dwelling that had a cooling system and lost it can't be occupied until a qualifying system is installed. Which replacements qualify depends on what was removed: § 39-5(B)(5) to (8).
• What to doRenters can put it in writing to the landlord and call the City's Landlord and Tenant Program at (602) 262-7210.

How to report, step by step

This home looks covered and met

• The standardNo more than 82°F with air conditioning or 86°F with evaporative cooling in every habitable room, bathroom, and toilet room, measured 3 feet above the floor in the center of the room.
• UpkeepCooling must be kept operational and in good repair.

Your landlord has to fix this

1. NowTell your landlord in writing, by hand delivery or certified mail, and keep a copy.
2. 5 daysThe Arizona Attorney General says that when heat creates a health and safety risk, a landlord has five days after written notice to act.
3. CityCall the Landlord and Tenant Program at (602) 262-7210. Eligibility rules apply, including a household income limit.

How to report, step by step

You need to fix the cooling

• The standardCooling able to keep every habitable room, bathroom, and toilet room at 82°F or less with air conditioning, or 86°F or less with evaporative cooling.
• UpkeepCooling systems must be kept hazard free, operational, and in good repair.
• Don't remove itInstalled cooling can't be removed except for immediate repair or replacement.
• State clockThe Attorney General says a landlord has five days after written notice when heat creates a health and safety risk.

The full rule