Liability for Law-Breaking Tenants

Liability for Law-Breaking Tenants

  A landlord could be liable for knowing or having reason to know that tenants are conducting criminal activity on its rental property. If a landlord suspects criminal activity is taking place on its rental property by the tenants, and the landlord fails to take reasonable action to stop the criminal activity or at least address the issue, the landlord should pursue an immediate termination of the lease under Arizona law, or take other appropriate action in order to avoid liability.

  Common types of illegal activity by tenants include illegal gambling, criminal gang activity, and drug crimes. If you have reason to believe that your tenant is engaging in criminal activity on your property, you should contact an attorney to discuss the procedures to immediately terminate the lease.