By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has filed a lawsuit against the owners and operators of three affiliated eastside Tucson apartment complexes, alleging patterns of neglect and inadequate living conditions — including a failure to provide adequate air conditioning.
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The lawsuit names the owners and operators of Sedona Springs, Summit Ridge, and Sienna Ridge — all operated by Luxford Living — and alleges tenants have been unable to maintain indoor temperatures at or below the Pima County standard of 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
A Sienna Ridge resident named Zach said he has dealt with a malfunctioning air conditioner since moving in in February. He said his apartment has reached nearly 100 degrees on the hottest days, forcing him and his family — including two young children — to seek alternative ways to stay cool.
“Pouring with sweat like completely just dripping in sweat, my shirt will be soaking wet,” Zach said.
He said the lack of air conditioning has affected the entire household. “They’re hot so they’re irritable and I’m hot, I’m irritable, my wife, she’s sick, she’s irritable,” he said.
The lawsuit alleges tenants at all three properties have been forced to purchase portable air conditioning units and fans to cool their apartments. Zach said he has also resorted to wetting rags, placing them in Ziploc bags, and freezing them for relief.
Zach said inadequate cooling is not the only problem at Sienna Ridge. He described extreme structural damage, boarded-up windows and walls, water and plumbing problems, and issues with people breaking into vacant units.
“They keep kicking the door in. I put six inch screws all the way down the door to keep them from going in,” he said.
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Over the past year, 13 News has received multiple viewer tips reporting a lack of running water and roach infestations at the properties.
Mayes is seeking permanent injunctions that would require the owners and operators of all three complexes to make repairs necessary to comply with Arizona law. The lawsuit would also prevent the properties from renting to new tenants until those repairs are completed.
13 News reached out to the owners and operators of the properties multiple times through multiple avenues for comment but received no response.
Zach said the lawsuit represents his remaining hope for change at the complex. “Change, absolutely. Better AC units, better living conditions, better maintenance, better staff, honestly,” he said.
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