Under what condition can a tenant in Arizona withhold rent?

A tenant in Arizona may withhold rent when the landlord fails to provide essential services, such as water, electricity, or other critical utilities that are necessary for the tenant to inhabit the property safely and comfortably. This is grounded in Arizona law, which allows tenants to take such action when the condition of the rental property violates the implied warranty of habitability.

Essential services are fundamental to a tenant's ability to live in the rented space, hence the law recognizes the tenant’s right to withhold rent as a means of enforcing the landlord's responsibilities. The tenant must typically provide the landlord with notice of the issue and a reasonable opportunity to rectify the situation before withholding rent, ensuring that the landlord is aware of the failure to provide essential services.

The other conditions listed do not provide a legal basis for withholding rent under Arizona law. Unexpected rent increases must generally be addressed through review of the lease agreement and possible negotiations, while personal decisions like moving out or noise complaints do not affect a tenant's obligation to pay rent unless they are linked to a failure by the landlord to uphold their responsibilities.