The importance of AC for your property rental

Your duty as a Landlord.

In Arizona, a landlord must provide a rental property that has fully operational appliances and is safe to occupy by law. This law also states that air conditioning or cooling is included. If you have been in Arizona for one summer, you know that the heat can be brutal. Every year there are an average of 250 deaths and 3,000 emergency room visits due to the extreme heat. A faulty Air Conditioning unit poses a threat to the elderly, young children and the medically fragile. The specific requirements for your city can vary from city to city, reach out to Alter Property Management to see if you are in compliance.

Tips to extend the life of your A/C unit and rental property

Whether you have partnered with Alter PM for your property or not, we feel it is vital to provide you with the education to care for your property. Read below to see our 5 best tips to extend the life of your unit.

  1. Keep your unit clean.
  2. Get a programmable or smart thermostat.
  3. Replace your air filter (every month!)
  4. Schedule routine maintenance
  5. When in doubt, hire a professional at the start.

Factors that can Damage A/C Units

Monsoons and Desert Storms – Did you know that monsoon weather can also affect your A/C unit? In 2021, Arizona has been fortunate to have had a very wet monsoon season. Although great for the heat and plant life, the storms can damage A/C Units.

Lack of Maintenance – an air conditioning unit, like any other major appliance or piece of machinery, needs routine maintenance and care. You wouldn’t drive your car for years and never replace the brakes or oil? Don’t skip out on semi-annual maintenance on your unit. When you work with the Alter PM team, we handle it all.

Dirty Coils and Duct Leaks – When your evaporator coils become dusty, it prevents their ability to transfer heat. A duct leak can allow air to leak in, making it difficult to keep your home temperature cool. Receiving routine maintenance helps stop these issues before they happen.

How long does a landlord have to fix A/C in Arizona?

According to Arizona’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, air-conditioning is considered an “essential” need, much like water. It is the landlord’s responsibility to fix the problem — usually within 48 hours after the tenant has filed a complaint