State Specific Question About: ARIZONA (AZ)

Okay, so crackhead txt'd me tonight and said key would be outside and last months rent would be on counter. Of course I get there and no key.

I get home and an hour later she sends me a txt that was made to sound like it was sent to her son. Said Nick leave gary the key in garage and check on counter in kitchen.

I go back over and no key, but I noticed the door was unlocked in the garage. I went in and there is mostly trash laying around everwhere. I decided to change the locks and Im going there tmrw to clean up everything. Ill put anything that I think is worth something in the garage and let her know.

Was it okay to change locks and take possesion? I figured since I have the txt that says to leave me the key Im okay.

Gary, this is not a legal response. But in my opinion, you have not taken possession. All you are doing so far is securing your property and protecting the interests of both your resident and you.

Okay, now I guess you lost me and it's late so maybe I'm missing something. Why is it that she would be breaking in if she was sending you a message that she is leaving the key for you.

I doubt that txt messages are considered a legal document.

IMO you are walking a hazardous path. You don't have the key from the tenant. You don't have a check. You don't have anything but some text messages. Did you use your key to see if the check was on the counter?.

Doesn't sound like you have a key? The tenant could be setting you up for something. You went there alone so no witnesses either right?

I always suggest owners keep a key to their property....their leaving a key for you for YOUR PROPERTY should not be an issue.

They should be mailing or delivering their rent to YOU.

what is left in the unit? is the big screen, and most of the clothes gone? if so and she told you she has vacated, that would be enough for me. If I thought they were gone, I would bag up anything and store in the garage for 30 days. Then start getting the place rent ready. Post a note on the door stating the locks were changed and if they need to get back inside to call you for access

Geeez!!

Nail & Mail a 5-day notice of abandonment & 5 days later retake the unit. 33-1370

Read the Code or get a lawyer.

Ditto the others. First priority is to secure your unit, including the garage. I would hire a locksmith to change the locks right away and lock up garage.

Post three notes on all doors. One is 5 day abandonment notice, second is large note saying new key is available by request, third note is notice to enter within 24 hours. Enter in 24 hours, verify electricity and heat are on. Leave some lights on so it looks lived in.

Wow! Update!! While I was over there cleaning up the filth. She must have come by, when I went outside the keys and envelope were on the hood of my truck. Written on the evelope it said last mo rent. Well, she didnt include late fees up to today, but thats okay. The main thing is the keys were there, even though I already put new locks on last night.

I txtd her and told her I boxed up some things that were left that I thought she might want. Mostly some kids clothes and toys. She txt'd me back and said now she wants deposite back....

I cant believe it, the carpet alone will cost what the deposite is, not to mention the wood shutters that are now missing three shutters, messed up grout, repaint needed, etc..... I told her I would send her an itemized list of repairs/damages and at first glance I doubted there would be much of any deposite to return and possible extra costs that she could be billed for.

She txt'd back calling me a thief, slumlord, liar, etc......

I am somewhat afraid now that she will try and break in an break stuff, but I would think now that she has returned keys and I have all pics of place empty, she could get in trouble.