A shocking lawsuit has been filed by the State of Arizona against Buena Communities, LLC, owners of a Phoenix apartment complex, for alleged gross neglect and severe habitability violations. This legal action follows a series of disturbing incidents and tenant complaints that have highlighted the hazardous living conditions at the complex, especially amid record-breaking heat.
According to court documents, Buena Communities has repeatedly failed to provide adequate cooling and ventilation in its apartments, leading to severe discomfort and health risks for tenants. Since 2016, the complex has amassed 18 separate City of Phoenix code violations related to cooling and ventilation. Additionally, it has racked up a staggering 105 other code violations, including crumbling infrastructure, derelict plumbing, unsafe walkways, and pest infestations.
Tenants’ Nightmare
The conditions have been particularly dire since early June 2024, when the complex’s main air conditioning system broke down, leaving between 110 and 400 units without central air. During one of Phoenix’s hottest summers on record, tenants have been left to endure extreme temperatures often exceeding 110°F, with indoor temperatures regularly peaking over 90°F. In July 2024 alone, Phoenix experienced its hottest day ever recorded on Earth.
Numerous residents have reported feeling like they are “living in an oven.” Temporary fixes, such as installing wall units, have proven woefully inadequate. In many cases, tenants could not run multiple units simultaneously without causing power outages. Even when functioning, these units failed to cool apartments below 87°F, far exceeding the city’s 82°F maximum for habitable conditions.
One resident described her plight, stating, “I would go everywhere just to be cool. I didn’t want to come home.” Another resident mentioned that despite having a temporary wall unit, he was “sweating by 9 am.”
Health and Safety Risks
The lack of air conditioning is just one part of a broader pattern of neglect. The complex’s windows are often makeshift, with plywood and duct tape failing to insulate from the heat. Faulty plumbing has left some residents without access to showers or baths, standing water in tubs, and overall unsanitary conditions. This, coupled with rampant bed bug infestations and crumbling infrastructure, has made living conditions unbearable and dangerous.
One resident, hospitalized for heat exhaustion, had her doctor describe her apartment as “unsatisfactory housing.” Another had to spend extra money dining out because cooking in her apartment made it unbearably hot.
Legal Action and Tenant Intimidation
In addition to the hazardous conditions, the lawsuit alleges that Buena Communities has actively suppressed tenant complaints through intimidation and retaliation. When residents voiced concerns to local media, management threatened them with eviction. Some tenants even had their lease renewals canceled, only to be reinstated after the Attorney General’s Office intervened.
The lawsuit seeks a permanent injunction to prevent future violations, consumer restitution, and civil penalties for each willful violation of the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act and the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
The Fight for Justice
This lawsuit underscores the urgent need for accountability and proper tenant protections. As the State of Arizona fights for the rights and well-being of its residents, this case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of enforcing housing standards and ensuring safe living conditions for all.
Residents and concerned citizens are hopeful that justice will prevail, and measures will be put in place to prevent such neglect in the future. The Attorney General’s Office continues to work diligently to protect the rights of Arizona’s tenants and hold negligent landlords accountable.