Cooling woes at apartment complex spur demand from Arizona attorney general

(The Center Square) – An apartment management company is under fire for seemingly leaving residents out to dry amid scorching summer heat.

Attorney General Kris Mayes sent Buenas Communities LLC a cease and desist over one of their buildings allegedly failing to solve the cooling issues for roughly 400 units at Buenas on 32nd. Mayes is giving them a deadline of Friday at 5 p.m. to fix the problems.

Specifically, the letter states that the company is violating the Arizona Landlord Tenant Act, city laws, and consumer protection measures for the seemingly slow action on the cooling woes, as well as false advertising.

“Based on public reporting about the Complex, these representations and omissions, appear to be false or deceptive and may constitute violations of the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act,” the letter states. “The Arizona Consumer Fraud Act prohibits the deceptive advertising of real estate leases. Those who violate the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act may be subject to civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, disgorgement of profits, and responsibility to pay restitution to consumers.”

The legal action comes after an Arizona’s Family story gained significant attention for some residents saying that there AC has been out for over a month, and the complex is saying they cannot get it resolved until December. Most Phoenix summer days see a high temperature in the triple digits, with many days above 110 degrees.

“The extreme heat poses a serious health risk, and it’s unacceptable for tenants to be without proper air conditioning,” Mayes said in a statement on Tuesday. “Buenas Communities LLC must take immediate action to ensure residents have safe and habitable living conditions in accordance with the law.”

The news release from the attorney general’s office added that “further legal action” is on the table if the building management does not comply with the demand.

The Center Square reached out to the building management company for comments, but they did not respond in time for publication.