How does Arizona define "constructive eviction"?

In Arizona, "constructive eviction" occurs when a landlord's failure to maintain livable conditions effectively forces a tenant to leave the premises. This legal concept recognizes that, while there may not be a formal eviction process initiated by the landlord, the result of the landlord's actions—or inactions—has made the rented property uninhabitable.

When essential services such as heat, water, or adequate maintenance are not provided, the tenant is placed in a situation where they can no longer reasonably reside in the property. This failure on the landlord’s part creates circumstances that compel the tenant to vacate, thereby leading to a constructive eviction claim. It protects tenants by acknowledging that their right to enjoy their leased premises has been violated, even in the absence of an explicit eviction notice.

In contrast, eviction due to tenant misconduct relates to situations where a tenant has breached their lease terms, and a formal eviction notice is initiated by the landlord. Eviction initiated by a landlord's formal notice does not address the underlying issues related to livability, and eviction resulting from a tenant's financial inability to pay rent does not meet the legal criteria for constructive eviction, which specifically hinges on the landlord's failure to maintain the property. Therefore, understanding constructive eviction through the lens