Legal Assistance for Renters? (apartments, renter, eviction)

[KarmaPhx]

I got an eviction notice today from my apartments, I woke up around 7pm since I work overnight so I was not able to go down to the office. They are saying they refused to accept my rent on July 1st because I had an outstanding balance of $108. I was not notified of this until July 8th, I called the office on the 9th and the manager was out of town until Monday. I called again Monday the 13th and she said that I was being billed for electricity for the first month I moved in.

APS connected power at my address, but listed the other address my apartment has since its in 2 phases, so the electricity was being billed to my apartments, and they're claiming I owed $108. I never received any sort of bill or notification until this day. I called APS and it took 2 days for them to fax the info to my apartments but they're still saying I owe the $108 since I did not pay APS anything at that time.

I have no problem paying the $108, but they now want over $200 in late fees, concession fees of $900, totaling over $1800!

Any ideas what I should do now? They want me in court next week.

[altus2006]

You could call Channel 3 news and see if they would help you. This sounds like a really unfair eviction policy.

altus2006

[Bummer]

If your information is accurate, Karma . . . sounds like a sleazy operation!

Personally, I would consider this an opportunity to find a better place to live, especially considering the abundance of apartments with plenty of promotions nowadays.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by Bummer

If your information is accurate, Karma . . . sounds like a sleazy operation!

Personally, I would consider this an opportunity to find a better place to live, especially considering the abundance of apartments with plenty of promotions nowadays.

I'm good with that idea, too, but you don't want an eviction on your record for the next landlord. Call 3 on your side, or Channel 15, or Rick DeBruhl at Channel 12-- he used to handle that sort of stuff, too. Maybe he still does.

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by observer53

I'm good with that idea, too, but you don't want an eviction on your record for the next landlord.

Whooooops, GOOD POINT.

[KarmaPhx]

The manager was out today for "personal reasons" but I was assured we will be able to work something out.

I really don't want to move, especially in this weather. I really like my place right now, besides this issue everything has been exceptional so far.

[ji603]

I have no doubt you'll be able to clear it up in person, but I'm confused. APS reports to the apartment if a renter doesn't pay a bill? So the rental office claims you're in breach of the rental agreement, hits you with penalties and revokes the incentives? Yikes.

I bet the APS letter just clears it up, but that's a headache.

[AnywhereElse]

Check this out the landlord and tenant act for Arizona - use search engine as I couldn't get it to link and see if anything applies. Every state has one of these to protect both the tenant and the landlord. You can usually find someone listed who might be able to give you some direction.