A/C Outrage Continues: Phoenix Tenants Suffer Despite Attorney General’s Cease and Desist Order

Kris Mayes gave management at Buenas on 32nd until July 26 to get all air conditioning units working. Days after the deadline, tenants said more needs to be done.

PHOENIX — It’s the worst time to not have air conditioning in Arizona, but for those living at a Phoenix apartment complex they’ve been dealing with no A/C for more than a month.

It led to Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes sending a cease and desist letter to management at Buenas on 32nd apartments in July. The letter demanded that the company repair up to 400 air conditioning units at the apartment complex by July 26.

A deadline that has now passed.

On Monday, a giant white machine with several large black hoses coming from it seemed to be the solution. It appeared to be a rental and was seen connected to one of the buildings on the property. Mark Fair, one of the tenants at the complex, said on Wednesday, just a few days before the deadline, his AC system was back up and running.

“It was working perfectly,” Fair said.

That changed Saturday morning. He said his system turned off.

“It’s working okay now but it’s compromised,” Fair explained.

His studio apartment was about 80 degrees according to a handheld temperature reading. Fair said his apartment can’t get any cooler because once he moved the dial below 70 degrees it turns off.

“It’s not cold,” Fair said while he held his hand up to the vent.

Other residents said the same. There were still dozens of portable units seen in people’s windows, including at Fair’s apartment.

While he is relieved progress is being made, he said more needs to be done. He called on Mayes to keep going after the company to get this problem fully fixed.

“Keep the fire lit under them and they will probably have better results,” Fair said.

12News reached out to the Attorney General’s Office to find out if the problem has been fixed. A spokesperson said they cannot comment on the story because it is still an active investigation. However, they did write that they are in communication with management.