Bill > SB1558

This bill amends Arizona law concerning mobile home parks to enhance protections for tenants regarding utility and waste removal charges. It mandates that landlords separately metering utilities like gas, water, and electricity must provide detailed billing information, including opening and closing meter readings, usage quantities, the landlord's total charges from the utility provider, and any administrative fees, which are capped at $8 for submetering. Landlords can only recover the actual utility costs plus a reasonable administrative fee, and the rental agreement must disclose these separately charged utilities and any associated fees. The bill also clarifies that charges for waste, garbage, rubbish, refuse, trash removal, and sewer services cannot exceed the prevailing single-family residential rates. Violations of these provisions are considered unlawful practices, and tenants are given the right to provide written notice of alleged violations to their landlord, with a 30-day period for resolution before they can file a civil complaint in justice court to enforce these rights and seek remedies, including court costs and attorney fees if they prevail. Furthermore, the bill expands the authority of administrative law judges to award damages and injunctive relief to tenants for a landlord's noncompliance with utility billing rules, in addition to existing penalties.

Government Affairs

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/85171