Attorney General Mayes Demands Spectra West Apartments in Glendale Restore Functioning Air Conditioning for Tenants

PHOENIX — Attorney General Mayes today sent a formal demand letter to Asset Living, LLC and Spectra West Apartments in Glendale, ordering the complex to immediately repair its air conditioning systems amid Arizona's dangerous summer heat.

"We are in the middle of extreme summer heat with temperatures climbing to over 110 degrees across the metro-Phoenix area," said Attorney General Mayes. "It is unacceptable for residents to be without proper cooling in this dangerous weather."

The letter, sent today, cites consumer reports and local news coverage indicating that most, if not all, units at the complex lack functioning air conditioning, with indoor temperatures reportedly reaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit — far above the 82-degree threshold considered safe for indoor living. The letter notes that heat-related indoor deaths in Maricopa County last year included 111 cases involving non-functioning or under-functioning air conditioning.

The letter alleges that Spectra West's advertising — which highlights air conditioning and on-site maintenance as amenities — combined with its failure to disclose ongoing cooling problems, may violate the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act (A.R.S. § 44-1521, et seq.) and applicable landlord-tenant law. Violations of the Consumer Fraud Act can carry civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, along with disgorgement of profits and restitution to affected tenants.

The cease and desist letter demands:

• Full repair of air conditioning systems in all units by a licensed (ROC) technician no later than 5:00 p.m., Friday, July 10, 2026, with written proof of compliance submitted to the Attorney General's Office.
• Interim relief for affected tenants — including portable air conditioning units capable of cooling units to 82 degrees or below, or alternative housing for residents at no cost to them until repairs are complete.
• Preservation of all records related to maintenance requests, the air conditioning system, and marketing materials dating back to May 2024.

The Attorney General's Office also reminds the property of its obligations under the Arizona Civil Rights Act, including the requirement that any remedial measures be provided without discrimination and that reasonable accommodations be made for tenants with disabilities affected by extreme heat.

Tenants who believe they have been affected by unsafe housing conditions or deceptive advertising practices are encouraged to file a complaint with the Arizona Attorney General's Office.