Question:

My landlord (apartment complex in Arizona) has broken the landlord-tenant laws by entering my apartment on multiple occasions without 48 hours written notice. They have handed over keys to multiple service people as well without any written notice. What can I do moving forward? This place has no security, even though they brag about their extra security patrol, and is regularly a dangerous place to be at night (inside the complex) and multiple vehicles have been stolen and broken into (including mine). How do I actually go about informing them that I am perusing breaking the lease? Do I just give them written notice and move out? Thanks.

Jim's Reply:

You need to speak with a local lawyer who is well versed in the laws of the land where you live. I'd advise that you never make threats in hopes of improving your situation, that can only make things worse in the future. Don't ever forget that landlords have professional hoohups, meetings, chat rooms and so on where problem tenants are talked about. if you get on such a list, you could have challenges in your rental future.

• PS from Stateside Legal:  You can use the "Find Legal Help" directory for AZ to look for an LRS provider near you and request a low-cost consult with a local attorney who specializes in landlord/tenant law.