TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Residents of the Sienna Ridge Apartments in midtown are speaking out after poor living conditions have made it harder for them to do everyday things, like brush their teeth.
Brittney Orr said she had no running water in the kitchen and bathroom sinks since May, so she had to use the tub faucet instead.
“This is where I come every day, turn this on," said Orr. "I wash my face and I brush my teeth. I have to do it over this and I’m tall, so it’s super uncomfortable, especially with the baby.”
While dealing with a pregnancy, Orr told KGUN 9 she couldn't even cook in her own kitchen.
“There’s just no water at all. There’s no need to see if it’s hot or cold," Orr said. I've been eating out because I physically can't utilize use my kitchen. The sink doesn't work, so I can't wash the dishes, I can't wash my vegetables. It's hard to maintain a healthy lifestyle when you can't do the basics."
She says it was a nightmare since the day she moved in a year ago.
“Unfortunately when we got here, our apartment wasn’t ready, even though we paid for it in advance and was told we can use a code to get inside. We literally had to stay at the Motel 6 for the first week that we moved here.”
Little did she know, that was just the beginning of her worries.
"We have had gas leaks, hot water problems, water leaking from the ceiling, AC not working and the worst of it all, I would probably say is the bug infestation," Orr said.
Orr was one of several tenants at Sienna Ridge Apartments who came to KGUN 9 with complaints.
I first met with Orr in July. She moved out in August, but wants people to know what she experienced at Sienna Ridge.
"More than anything I don't want other people to go through this. I don't want other people to deal with the same things I'm dealing with," Orr said. "Mentally, emotionally, I'm just not myself."
Orr’s next-door neighbor, Kim Arias, has been living in Sienna Ridge for about four months and is also frustrated with the conditions.
"There’s my water, no hot water, no pressure,” Arias said. “So, it’s very hard to boil water when you’re doing the dishes, and I have boiled water to take a shower.”
Meredith Hickson, said her apartment is infested with roaches. She said she's killing them constantly and even left some dead on the wall for KGUN 9 to see.
"Within this past year, it has gotten extremely bad. We didn't have pest control for a while so the bugs have gotten out of control," Hickson said.
Tenants say after sending multiple emails to the leasing office and putting in work orders, there’s been no change.
I reached out to the City of Tucson’s code enforcement, who checked on Orr’s unit and confirmed her complaints stating, "The inspector met with the tenant and confirmed low water pressure at the kitchen and bathroom sinks, no hot water, and ceiling damage in the hallway, possibly related to a leak."
In regard to the mold complaints, the City said, "The City of Tucson does not test for or enforce mold-related concerns. No citations have been issued. The owner must be given an opportunity to address the noted concerns."
Since first talking with tenants in July, I met with the regional property manager in August.
She agreed to do a walk-through to see firsthand what the tenants are going through.
She said she’s been in contact with the owner of the property.
I reached out to the owner, Dasmen Residential and I'm still waiting for a response.
Anthony Young, Executive Director at Southern Arizona Legal Aid, said the residents have options.
"The tenant can complain to the authorities, and that’s code enforcement, or Arizona Attorney General, Kris Mayes," Young said. "The tenants can also terminate their lease; and they can move out; and they can sue the landlord for the cost of having to move.”
In order to terminate the lease, the tenant must send a written notice to the landlord when they’re in breach, listing a time period to fix the problems.
"And that notice can be a 24-hour notice if it’s (for) health and safety," Young said. "It can also be a five-day notice for other types of health and safety issues; or as long as ten days for other types of issues or breaches of the lease.”
He adds, "The law protects the tenant against retaliation if the tenant files a complaint with the landlord or any authority that I've alluded to concerning the condition of the rental."
If the poor living conditions affect tenants with disabilities or major life activities, Young says that's certainly a complaint to the Arizona Attorney General.
"Or regarding disabilities, that's a fair housing issue as well and so complaints to Southwest Fair Housing would be an avenue for a tenant in that situation," Young said.
Young said the most important thing to do is to protect yourself by inspecting and touring what you’re going to rent in advance.
"I think for tenants, they have to understand that the law in Arizona does not offer many protections," Young said. "Landlords who are unwilling to show the tenant the property that they're gonna be renting, that's a bad sign."
Young says any time tenants are having these kind of issues with their landlord, contact Southern Arizona Legal Aid to get legal advice from a lawyer on what actions you can take.
KGUN 9 viewers who find themselves in a similar situation can get more information at:
- The Arizona Attorney General's website
