Weeks of triple-digit heat outside and busted air conditioning inside have turned life at The Flats apartment complex in Mesa into a slow bake, according to frustrated tenants who say they have been sweating it out in units that feel more like ovens than homes.
Residents report that after the property's central cooling failed, some apartments climbed above 95°F and, in at least one case, over 100°F indoors. Parts of the building have dealt with outages on and off since January, tenants say, while some households have gone more than a month without reliable cooling. One pregnant resident reportedly ended up in the emergency room, and neighbors say others have resorted to sleeping by the pool or camping out in late-night laundromats just to cool down. Management has now emailed residents saying the system is fixed, but many tenants remain wary and are asking for proof of repairs and compensation for the disruption.
As reported by FOX 10 Phoenix, tenants including Zane Vasquez and Jasmine Swainston told reporters their units hit the low 90s and in one instance topped 100°F, with some vents blowing hot air instead of cool. Neighbors described a patchwork response from property staff: some residents got portable A/C units, reimbursements or rent credits, while others said their maintenance requests went nowhere. The Flats, near Southern Avenue and Dobson Road, has become a nightly scramble for families trying to figure out where they can sleep safely.
What management says
"The safety and wellbeing of our residents, their families, and their guests is always a top priority," a spokesperson for property manager RPM Living told FOX 10 Phoenix. RPM said its team responded urgently, obtained replacement components from outside Arizona to speed up repairs, provided water and supplies, and offered help to residents looking for temporary accommodations. According to the company, the system is now operating again and crews will keep monitoring its performance.
Arizona law and tenants' options
Under Arizona's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, landlords must "maintain in good and safe working order and condition all ... air‑conditioning" when those systems are supplied or required. A prolonged A/C failure can qualify as a legal breach. The statute spelling out that maintenance duty, A.R.S. 33-1324, is available from the Arizona Legislature, and tenant remedies for material noncompliance, including written-notice procedures, lease termination within a short statutory window, substitute housing and potential damages, appear in A.R.S. 33-1361 on the Arizona Legislature site. Tenants who decide to pursue those remedies are advised to carefully document their requests and any health impacts.
Where to report problems and preserve evidence
Tenants who believe their apartments are uninhabitable can file a complaint with the City of Mesa Code Compliance office; the city outlines how to report violations and what to expect in its online materials. The Flats' website lists the community’s location and amenities, and RPM Living also lists the property in its portfolio at 1045 South San Jose St., Mesa, AZ. Residents are being urged to keep dated records of maintenance requests, logs of thermometer readings, photos and any medical documentation tied to heat-related visits. Advocates say clear, time-stamped evidence is the strongest foundation for seeking rent credits, relocation costs or other remedies.
For now, neighbors say they'll be keeping a close eye on how the building’s cooling system holds up, while pressing for written proof that the repairs are real and lasting. This story will be updated if RPM Living or Mesa officials release additional documentation or comment.
