Landlord and Tenant Lawyers in Surprise

Find the right Tenant attorney in Surprise, AZ

Tenant Law in Arizona

The relationship between a landlord and tenant in Surprise, Arizona can sometimes be a touchy one. Landlords and tenants are not always clear on their respective rights and responsibilities.

Tenants and landlords have several legal rights and responsibilities. In general, these rights don't conflict with one another, as long as both parties are clear about what they are, and act accordingly.

Landlord's Rights in Surprise, AZ

Most obviously, landlords have a right to collect rent from their tenants. When a tenant agrees to pay a landlord a certain amount of money for the right to occupy the landlord's property, a contract is formed. Tenants have to hold up their end of the deal.

They also have a right to compensation for any damage that a tenant causes, beyond ordinary wear and tear. Landlords are free to bill the tenants for repairs to damage they caused, and deduct the cost from the security deposit.

Tenant's Rights in Surprise, AZ

The most basic right of a tenant is the right to a living space that's fit for human habitation. This is, after all, what they're paying the landlord to provide. Landlords in Surprise, Arizona are under a legal duty to make sure that their apartments are habitable. There are several factors that are considered in determining if an unit is habitable or not, but, generally, an unit will not be deemed habitable if it lacks any of the following: running water, electricity, heat, and protection from the elements (such as proper insulation, and windows that close).

Tenants also have a right to ensure that the common areas of their apartment building are reasonably safe. Landlords are required to make sure that the common areas of their buildings meet Surprise, Arizona's building codes, and that there are no conditions that create unnecessary safety hazards. They are required to make, at their own expense, the necessary repairs.

In the United States, and most likely under the laws of Arizona, it is unlawful for renters or sellers of real estate to discriminate on the basis of race, gender, national origin, color, or religion. Doing so can subject a landlord to harsh civil penalties. Also, they cannot discriminate based on physical disabilities, either. Tenants with physical disabilities, who are otherwise qualified to rent an apartment (they are able to pay, have good credit, etc.) are entitled to make reasonable modifications to the apartment to make it more accessible to them, and the landlord generally can't bar a tenant from doing this, as long as the modifications are not too extensive, and are reversible. The landlord can, however, require the tenant to remove the modifications, at the tenant's expense, when they move out.

Finally, the laws of most states protect tenants from unfair eviction. In general, as long as a tenant is paying rent on time, and is not damaging the unit, they cannot be evicted before the term of the lease expires, unless there is a very good reason to do so (such as excessive noise caused by the tenant, or illegal activities in the apartment).

Can a Surprise, Arizona Landlord/Tenant Lawyer Help?

Landlords and tenants usually prefer to avoid getting into fights with one another, for apparent reasons. A harmonious relationship is profitable for everyone involved. To that end, the advice of a good Surprise, Arizona landlord/tenant attorney can help defuse arguments before they become too serious.

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Life in Surprise

Surprise is located in Maricopa County, Arizona. Its population is one of the fastest-growing in the state- it went from 30,000 in the year 2000 up to 90,000 by the year 2007. The city was founded in 1938 and was named after Surprise, Nebraska.

Surprise is a popular destination for those seeking residential opportunities, in particular retirement homes. In fact, much of the city's population growth can be attributed to Sun City Grand, which is a resort-like, age-restricted residential community. The community is a large contributor to Surprise's population and economy.

Warm weather and modern sports facilities make Surprise an ideal location for those who love sports. For example, the city maintains an outstanding Recreation Campus. The Campus houses the Surprise Tennis and Racket Complex (STRC), which has received several awards. STRC is often the site for important professional matches.

If you have a legal claim, lawyers in Surprise, Arizona will usually file the claim at the Surprise Municipal Court. The municipal court hears civil matters as well as criminal misdemeanor cases. Surprise lawyers can provide you with advice or representation on a variety of legal issues.

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