If you’re on the hunt for a Phoenix apartment, there are some laws you should be aware of. While it’s true landlords can turn you down for a rental quite legally if you can’t afford it or if your credit is too bad, there are a host of other reasons they can never use. Federal and state laws protect your rights in a number of circumstances. The Fair Housing Act spells out the rules for equal housing opportunity. State laws cover tenants rights over apartment lease situations.
Federal Fair Housing Act
There are a number of provisions in the Federal Fair Housing Act that can protect you during a search for a Phoenix Apartment. Some of the points you should be aware of include:
Discrimination against tenants – Federal law prohibits discrimination in providing housing to people based on sex, family status, handicap, national origin, religion, color and race. Refusing to let an apartment to a tenant for any of these reasons is illegal.
Intimidation – It is against federal law for anyone to try and interfere, intimidate or otherwise threaten someone to stop them from exercising their rights under the act.
Advertising – The federal law covers advertising, as well. Rentals cannot be advertised in a way that shows preference for anyone at the expense of the protected classes.
Disability provisions – Federal law adds a few more provisions for people with mental or physical disabilities. It is against the law for a “no pets” building, for example, to refuse to allow a tenant with a service dog access. It is also law that landlords allow tenants to make reasonable accommodations to the property to make handicap living possible.
Arizona Housing Laws
Arizona also has a number of statutes that cover landlord-tenant relationships. While these laws mostly spell out obligations for both parties, some tenants rights are also covered. Things to be aware of when conducting an apartment search in regard to the Arizona State Landlord/Tenant Law include:
Security deposits – It is against Arizona law for a security and/or advance rent deposit requirement to exceed 150 percent of one month’s rent. Tenants can offer or agree to pay more, however. This must be voluntary.
Refunds – Security deposits must be returned within 14 business days after a termination of a rental agreement. Landlords are allowed to deduct damage expenses.
As you scour the Phoenix area for an apartment, knowing your tenants rights can be valuable. The better armed you are, the more likely you are to make a good decision in housing. Remember, discrimination against people simply does not fly in the rental world.
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