Apartment complex ordered by attorney general to repair broken air conditioning units

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes on Tuesday sent a letter of formal notice to a Phoenix apartment complex to repair 400 broken or non-working air conditioning units.

The attorney general’s office’s cease-and-desist letter said Buenas Communities LLC must take immediate action to address air conditioning problems at the Buenas on 32nd apartment complex, located at 32nd Avenue and Indian School Road.

“The extreme heat poses a serious health risk and it is unacceptable that tenants do not have adequate air conditioning,” Mayes wrote in a press release.

The attorney general’s office expected Buenas Communities to repair all defective air conditioning units by 5 p.m. July 26 and provide written confirmation of the repair by 5 p.m. July 29, the news release said.

The press release noted potential violations of the Arizona Landlord Tenant Act, the Phoenix City Code and the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act if the broken air conditioners remain broken.

According to Mayes’ office, Buenas Communities is under investigation and legal action against the landlord is being considered.

“Every Arizonan should feel safe and comfortable in his or her home, regardless of income… When I said I would be an advocate for the people, I meant it,” Mayes wrote.