PHOENIX — Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes sent a letter to Phoenix-based The Elton Apartment Homes on Friday demanding it addresses failed AC units that led to one death and other people getting hospitalized.

Mayes’ investigation found that the apartment complex, located near Thomas Road and 24th Street, had malfunctioning AC units beginning July 5 and by July 10 “almost all units” were not working, according to a press release.

An unidentified 66-year-old man died due to extreme heat after not being “provided with a portable fan” while his AC unit was down. Mayes also reported that “at least one pregnant tenant” was hospitalized in the past week with her apartment space reached 97 degrees.

The Arizona Attorney General’s Office said the apartment complex only on Wednesday issued a letter to its residents that details accommodations while their AC isn’t running properly.

“I’m appalled at the conditions these tenants were force to experience, especially during the summer heat,” Mayes said in the release. “Diamond Asset Management (LLC) and Elton Apartment Homes must take immediate action to ensure their residents have safe and habitable living conditions, including air conditioning, as they are guaranteed under the law.”

How Mayes asked Phoenix apartment complex to respond

In Mayes’ demand letter, she said she expected The Elton Apartment Homes to resolve the AC issue by Friday at 5 p.m.

Once it takes action, the apartment complex must “provide written confirmation of compliance” to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.

“My message is this—please, please call my office or visit our website and file a complaint with us if this is happening to you at any apartment complex across the Valley or anywhere in Arizona,” Mayes said. “I take this issue very seriously. We will continue to take action, if necessary, if they don’t come into compliance ASAP.”

If you have faulty AC and an inactive landlord, Mayes advised Valley residents to contact the Arizona Attorney General’s Office at 602-542-5763.

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