Attorney General Kris Mayes has taken legal action against Buenas Communities LLC, charging the firm with neglect and providing uninhabitable living conditions at the "Buenas on 32nd" apartment complex. An announcement made public by the Attorney General's Office on Friday details the lawsuit, which cites violations such as inadequate air conditioning, persistent bed bug infestations, and crumbling infrastructure, even amid Phoenix's scorching summer heat.
Residents of the complex have endured the hottest June in Phoenix's history, with temperatures soaring above 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite this, many were left without proper air conditioning, a situation the Attorney General deems as putting "residents’ lives at serious risk." Reacting to media scrutiny, Buenas Communities LLC attempted to quickly fix the issue but failed to properly cool all apartments, as mentioned in the Attorney General's complaint.
These conditions seemingly violate several state laws, including the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act and the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. The lawsuit alleges that potential tenants were not made aware of the dire state of living conditions upon signing leases. Furthermore, those who have dared to speak up against the accommodations have faced retaliation, including threats of eviction.
"My office is committed to protecting Arizonans from unscrupulous landlords who neglect their legal responsibilities and put lives at risk," Mayes was quoted as saying in the press release. The Attorney General's Office seeks to essentially prohibit Buenas Communities LLC from continuing to rent to Arizona residents, in addition to demanding the company make necessary repairs and comply with housing laws.
For residents who believe they have been victims of consumer fraud, the Attorney General’s website offers a channel to file complaints. The office has also provided contact numbers for support in Phoenix, Tucson, and statewide areas. The suit is a decisive step by the state to ensure that no Arizona renter, regardless of income, is subjected to unfair treatment and hazardous living conditions at the hands of landlords.
