Arizona AG sues Apache Junction landlord over summer power outage

PHOENIX — Attorney General Kris Mayes filed a consumer fraud lawsuit against an Apache Junction landlord over a weekslong power outage last summer.

According to the Tuesday announcement, the attorney general is suing the owners and operators of Arizuma County Estates after it had a five-week power outage during the summer in 2024.

The power outage began on July 22 after an electrical panel became overloaded and caught on fire.

The community is home to recreational vehicles (RVs) and park model homes.

“This case is an alarming example of a park owners’ indifference to the health and safety of their residents,” Mayes said in the announcement. “At a time when our state routinely faces record-breaking summer heat, landlords must be vigilant about their internal electric systems.

“And most importantly, landlords cannot ignore their duty to provide alternative electricity especially when their own neglect has caused them to violate their contractual and statutory obligations to provide reliable electricity.”

Why is Mayes suing the Apache Junction landlord?

The lawsuit accuses Arizuma County Estates of violating the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act (ACFA) by contracting with tenants under false pretenses and failing to inform them about the unreliable electrical system.

In addition, it states the community misled tenants regarding the progress of repairs, was the cause of delays and did not notify residents about said delays.

The lawsuit also alleges that the operators of Arizuma County Estates, Donald R. Thonger and Lyn M. Thonger, left the country for several weeks during the outage and did not provide on-site staff the needed authority to address concerns from residents nor the electrician in charge of the repairs.

The complaint claims that the community demonstrated unethical business practices under the ACFA by not providing adequate alternatives to residents, causing them to use their own money to escape the heat.

“My message to landlords is this: live up to the promises you’ve made to your tenants when renting to them and follow the law,” Mayes said. “If you don’t, I will hold you accountable.”

Anyone who believes they have been a victim to consumer fraud or unfair practices can file a complaint online. Those who would like a complaint form sent to them can contact the Attorney General’s Office in Phoenix at 602-542-5763, in Tucson at 520-628-6648 and outside the metro areas at 800-352-8431.

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