Attorney General Mayes and Senator Kuby Announce Landmark Legislation to Protect Arizona Renters from Extreme Temperatures

PHOENIX – Attorney General Kris Mayes and Senator Lauren Kuby today announced the introduction of Senate Bill 1608, landmark legislation that would establish minimum habitability standards for indoor temperatures in Arizona rental properties statewide and protect vulnerable tenants during periods of extreme heat or cold.

The bill directly addresses the growing public health crisis posed by extreme temperatures in Arizona, particularly for renters who lack control over their living conditions – expanding protections that exist at the municipal level in cities like Phoenix and Tucson as well as adding additional protections for every renter in Arizona.

"No Arizonan, no matter where they live, should have to suffer in dangerous heat or cold because their landlord fails to maintain safe living conditions," said Attorney General Kris Mayes. "This legislation establishes common-sense protections that recognize that landlords have a responsibility to provide safe and habitable housing even in rural parts of our state. It's far past time we provide these protections to every tenant in Arizona. I want to thank Senator Kuby for introducing this critical legislation as well as her colleagues in the Senate for co-sponsoring it."

“Arizona's extreme climate makes this legislation a matter of life and death,” said Sen. Lauren Kuby. “We're seeing record-breaking temperatures year after year, and our most vulnerable residents – seniors, children, and low-income families – are bearing the brunt of inadequate housing conditions. This bill will make sure landlords live up to the promises they make and help keep Arizonans safe. I am grateful for Attorney General Mayes' leadership on this important issue."

Changes made by SB1608:

Temperature Standards for Habitability

• Establishes that for premises to be considered "fit and habitable," indoor air temperature must not exceed 82 degrees Fahrenheit
• Requires indoor temperatures to remain at or above 68 degrees Fahrenheit during periods of extreme cold

Expedited Remedies for Climate Control Failures

• Allows tenants to provide 2-day notice (reduced from 5 days) to terminate rental agreements when landlords fail to provide functioning air conditioning or heating that materially affects health and safety

Protection from Heat-Related Evictions

• Prohibits landlords from evicting tenants during any week when outdoor temperatures reach 90 degrees or higher on two or more days
• Prevents vulnerable residents from being displaced during the most dangerous heat periods

The legislation amends Arizona's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act to codify these protections statewide, recognizing that extreme temperatures pose serious health risks.

SB1608 is being co-sponsored by Senators Alston, Bravo, Diaz, Epstein, Gabaldón, Miranda, Ortiz, Sundareshan, Garcia, Stahl Hamilton, and Villegas. 

Attorney General Mayes has made it a priority to enforce protections for renters under Arizona law. 

• In February 2024, AG Mayes sued RealPage and major corporate landlords for allegedly engaging in a price-fixing conspiracy to unlawfully raise rent on Arizona renters. 
• In August 2024, AG Mayes sued Buenas Communities LLC  for subjecting tenants to deplorable and unsafe living conditions that included a broken air conditioning system in extreme summer heat.
• In October 2024, AG Mayes launched a public awareness campaign to combat housing discrimination and educate renters about their rights. 
• In January 2025, AG Mayes demanded Madrid Court Apartments stop collecting rental taxes in violation of Arizona law. 
• In May 2025, AG Mayes issued a warning to landlords reminding them of their obligations under Arizona law to maintain working air conditioning systems and fix broken systems in a timely manner. 
• In July 2025, AG Mayes demanded the Elton Apartment Homes fix its broken air conditioning system during extreme summer heat.
• In July 2025, AG Mayes demanded Urban League Manor, a senior living facility fix its broken air conditioning unit during extreme summer heat. 
• In August 2025, AG Mayes sued Redwood Mobile Home Park for endangering its residents. 
• In September 2025, AG Mayes sued Arizuma Country Estates over weeks-long power outage during summer heat.
• In October 2025, AG Mayes sued Palo Verde Mobile Home Park for extremely dangerous electrical outages.