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Landlords Can Check with Former Landlords on Prospective Tenants

Question: We just purchased a small apartment complex in Glendale. Can we demand that a prospective tenant furnish names of former landlords? If so, are we allowed to contact these former landlords to ask if the former tenant was a good tenant, e.g., paid rent on time or damaged the apartment?


Answer: Yes, but only if you have the same procedure for all prospective tenants, and don’t unlawfully discriminate against a protected class under fair housing laws.


As a new owner of an apartment complex, you should consider joining the Arizona Multihousing Association (Azmultihousing.org) for helpful information.






Understanding Arizona Divorce

What is a divorce?

A divorce, legally called a "dissolution of marriage," is a court procedure to end a marriage. The party who starts the divorce is known as the Petitioner. The other party is known as the Respondent.starts the divorce is known as the Petitioner. The other party is known as the Respondent.

When can I file a petition for divorce?

You or your spouse must have been a resident of Arizona for at least 90 days before you can file for a divorce.

What reasons must I give in order to get a divorce?

Arizona is a no-fault state, which means that neither spouse needs to give a reason for the divorce. Only one party needs to assert that he or she believes the marriage is "irretrievably broken." If the parties choose to have a "covenant marriage" at the time of their marriage or later convert their marriage to a covenant marriage.

Do I need a lawyer to represent me?

Everyone is entitled to represent himself or herself in a divorce. However, if you represent yourself, the court will expect you to follow all laws and the correct procedures that apply to your case, even if you are not an attorney. If you do not follow the correct procedures, you could lose important rights and the ability to request certain benefits forever. If your case goes to trial and you do not follow the correct procedures, the judge may not allow you to present certain evidence or call witnesses. Court personnel and judges are not allowed to give you legal advice. If you do not understand the laws or court procedures, you may contact an attorney for assistance.




What is a will?
A will is a written document that directs the disposition of a person's property after his or her death. A will nominates one or more "personal representatives," sometimes also referred to as "executors," to manage and distribute the estate. A will can also nominate a person to serve as a guardian and/or a conservator for a minor child or incapacitated adult.

What happens if a person dies without leaving a will?
Any assets in his or her estate will be distributed according to Arizona laws that designate which family members, or "heirs," will receive assets.

Does a will affect all assets?
Assets for which you have set up a different method of transfer, such as beneficiary designations, payable on death (POD) accounts, transfer on death (TOD) accounts, joint tenancy with right of survivorship, community property with right of survivorship, and/or titled into the name of a Trustee, are not affected by a will. Remember to check whom you have named as beneficiary on any IRAs, annuities, life insurance and/or retirement plans. You can also name a beneficiary for your car, and record a beneficiary deed for real property. Assets with these kinds of transfer mechanisms automatically pass to the surviving owners or named beneficiaries.

Can a will be changed?
A will can be changed or revoked any time before death. Often simple changes are made by an amendment called a "codicil."

Does a person need a large estate to have a will?
No. Any person wishing to designate who will receive their assets at death should have a will. Individuals with minor children will want a will to nominate a guardian and to manage the assets for the minor children in a trust (which may be created under the will) and/or a custodial account.