Hurt at your apartment in Tucson: when can you sue the landlord?

What must a Tucson landlord keep safe?

Two sets of rules apply. Arizona's landlord law covers your lease. Tucson's Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance adds local standards, and the city's Code Enforcement Division enforces them.

A Tucson summer makes the cooling rule more than a comfort issue. If you or a family member got heat illness because the air conditioning was out and the landlord knew, keep a log of indoor temperatures, the dates you reported it and any hospital records.

When can I sue my Tucson landlord for an injury?

You usually need three things. The landlord knew or should have known about the danger. It did not fix it in a reasonable time. And that failure caused your injury. Arizona landlords must make all repairs needed to keep a place fit and habitable. A tenant can recover damages when a landlord breaks those duties.

• A clause saying the landlord is not responsible for injuries does not protect it. Arizona bars such terms. They cannot be enforced.
• If you slipped because you ignored a clear warning, your award can be reduced, but your claim is not barred.
• For a serious health or safety problem, Arizona law lets a tenant give a 5-day notice. Ask for advice first, because a mistake here can put your housing at risk.

The money usually comes from the owner's liability insurance. Your renters policy may help with medical bills for guests, but it rarely pays for your own injury. Do not assume there is no coverage because the owner is a small company in another state.

What should I do this week after getting hurt at my Tucson apartment?

1. Get care, and tell the doctor how and where you were hurt.
2. Take dated photos of the hazard before maintenance changes it.
3. Send the office a short written notice. Keep the email or a photo of the letter.
4. Ask for the name of the owner and manager, which the landlord must give you in writing.
5. File a Code Enforcement complaint at [email protected], or use the online form the page links to.
6. Save your lease and every text with the manager.

What if I live in Tucson public housing?

The City of Tucson's public housing page names Craycroft Towers at 1635 N. Craycroft and MLK Apartments downtown, among others. A public housing agency is a public entity, so a claim must be filed within 180 days.

We did not find a separate published claim form for public housing residents. The city's general process is email to [email protected] or mail to PO Box 27210, Tucson 85726. Confirm the Clerk received it. Then any lawsuit is due within 1 year.

Can my Tucson landlord evict me for reporting a hazard?

Arizona law protects tenants from some kinds of retaliation, but you still need to answer any eviction papers on time. Pima County Consolidated Justice Court runs an Evictions Specialty Court. If you get a notice or summons, go to the hearing, and bring your photos and your written complaints.

Which court hears a Tucson apartment injury case?

Pima justice courts hear civil cases up to $10,000. Small claims stop at $5,000 and do not allow lawyers. Larger cases go to Superior Court at 110 West Congress Street. A fall on the sidewalk just outside the building is its own problem. Tucson code requires the abutting owner to keep the public sidewalk in repair, but the code does not say you may sue that owner directly.

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