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Report a problem

If your Phoenix rental has cooling that's broken or can't keep a room at the legal limit, here's how to get it on record.

  1. 1

    Tell your landlord in writing

    The Arizona Attorney General says to call first, then follow up in writing by hand delivery or certified mail. The written notice starts the clock. If heat would worsen a medical condition, say so in the notice.

  2. 2

    Ask the City's Landlord and Tenant Program

    Call (602) 262-7210 or use the emergency assistance form. The program lists a central AC system above 82°F, or an evaporative cooler above 86°F, as a qualifying hazard. You must rent a unit covered by Arizona's landlord and tenant law, live in Phoenix or get City water, and have a household income at or below 80% of Area Median Income. Help can include shelter, cooling centers, or coordinating repairs with your landlord, and a request doesn't guarantee help.

  3. 3

    Ask Code Compliance

    Neighborhood Services handles Phoenix code violations at (602) 534-4444. Its page doesn't say whether it takes complaints about a home with no working cooling, so ask when you call.

  4. 4

    File with the Attorney General

    The Attorney General's consumer complaint form is available by phone at (602) 542-5763 in the Phoenix area.

What the state says

  • Five daysWhen heat creates a health and safety risk, the Attorney General says a landlord has five days after written notice to act. Without that risk, the Attorney General's earlier release gives ten days. Either can be shorter if indoor temperatures exceed city code limits.
  • If nothing happensTenants may be able to make the repair and deduct the cost, end the lease, or sue for damages, if they meet the statute's requirements.
  • No utility shutoffsLandlords can't cut off AC or other utilities to punish tenants, even if rent is unpaid.
  • The full ruleWhat the City code requires