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Blistering Heat: Attorney General Ultimatum for Phoenix Landlord to Fix AC for Suffering Tenants

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'It’s like going into a steam room': Attorney general gives Phoenix landlord deadline to fix AC for tenants


Tenants at an apartment complex near Indian School Road and Grand Avenue in Phoenix have been enduring sweltering summer heat without functioning air conditioning units for over a month.

The situation has affected residents of 400 units. The Arizona Attorney General’s office has confirmed and expressed concern over the matter.

“That’s a major problem for everybody, not just me,” said Michael Channel Sr., who lives at the Buenas on 32nd Apartments.

Channel, who has been residing in the complex for approximately four months, noticed his air conditioning unit was malfunctioning shortly after his move-in.

“It’s like going into a steam room,” he described the hot conditions.

Management provided Channel with two portable A/C units, which have managed to keep his apartment at a relatively cooler 80 degrees, according to a temperature reader device. Other tenants might be using similar devices in their units as well.

However, the relief from these portable units is tenuous, as Channel stated, if they fail, the heat would become unbearable.

“We need our freaking air back on in here,” Channel insisted.

Attorney General Kris Mayes intervened, sending a cease and desist letter to the complex’s parent company, Buenas Communities LLC, accusing them of violating several state laws. The company has been given a deadline until Friday to restore all air-conditioning units.

“Thank God that the attorney general stepped in,” Channel acknowledged.

The City of Phoenix is also aware of the situation. The apartment complex currently faces 39 citations for violating the city’s cooling ordinance, which requires that rental units with HVAC systems not exceed 82 degrees. For units with EVAP coolers, temperatures should not exceed 86 degrees.

Arraignments have been scheduled for next month to address these violations.