Arizona Attorney General sues out-of-state landlords over broken AC in record heat

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes sued the owners of three Tucson rental complexes—Sedona Ridge, Sienna Springs and Summit Ridge—claiming they have left tenants without functional central air conditioning amid record summer heat, with indoor readings hitting 98.8 °F. The complaint alleges breaches of habitability standards since 2023, including failure to maintain indoor temperatures at or below 80 °F, lack of hot water, persistent leaks, mold, deteriorating balconies, unsafe pools and unchecked pest problems.

Mayes requests that a Maricopa County judge prohibit the Delaware-based parent firms from leasing to Arizona residents until the units comply with required standards. The properties, purchased in 2017 by Damsen Residential CEO Michael Katz and managed by relative Israel Katz, also accept Section 8 vouchers, housing many veterans, seniors and low-income renters. The lawsuit invokes the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act and the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, seeking $10,000 penalties for each willful violation. The defendants have not responded to comment requests.