GLENDALE, AZ — One Valley apartment complex has come under fire from its own residents after they say their air-conditioning units have been putting out fire-like air.
People living in the Glen Park Apartments tell ABC15 their A/C units have not been running properly for more than a week.
“We turned it off 'cause there’s no sense in us leaving it on because it’s blowing hot air,” said Ana Tapia.
Tapia said for at least the past week, the place she calls home has been unlivable. She said the family bought another fan, slept with cold towels, and eventually left the apartment altogether.
“We went to my mom’s,” said Tapia.
The mother of three is not the only one who migrated to colder climates.
“I have had to leave and go stay at my son's house,” said Unoe Calvin, who has lived at the apartments for more than a year.
“It’s a hot box! It’s like you’re in a sauna,” she said. “It blows but we don’t get efficient enough air that comes through.”
Both women say they have filed multiple complaints with property managers.
A corporate manager, Rene, with Transpacific Asset Management, which owns the complex, talked to ABC15 Tuesday but would not go on-camera.
“We worked on the chiller, we got it up and running,” said Rene. “Now we are going from unit to unit, to anybody who is still having issues, to make sure their coils are cleaned and it’s up and running like it should be.”
Rene said chiller part replacement just happened Monday.
“They did notice an issue and we did get it repaired,” she said.
If your air conditioning or another “essential utility” stops working, experts say you should never stop paying rent. The reason why? You can recuperate that rent money down the line.
The first thing to do is document the problem electronically, and let management know the steps you are taking. If the landlord or company does not fix the problem in a timely manner, you can get your own essential services like a portable A/C unit or fans - and state law allows you to deduct the "actual reasonable cost from the rent.
“Go back to the landlord, show him that receipt and then they can deduct that amount,” said Pamela Bridge with Community Legal Services.
Renters are entitled up to 125 percent of the rent if the substitute housing bill exceeds the monthly rental rate. If the problem persists and you have given proper notice, the law gives you the right to terminate your tenancy and sue the landlord for damages.
Find out more on how to do that here.
