The Top Tenant Complaints in Phoenix—And How to Solve Them Before They Happen
If you’re a landlord or investor with rental property in Phoenix, tenant complaints can quickly derail what might otherwise be a smooth and profitable experience. From HVAC failures to pest problems and neighbor disputes, there are a few common issues that come up again and again in the Valley—especially during the scorching summer months and monsoon season.
The good news? Most of these problems are preventable with the right systems in place. Whether you're self-managing or working with a professional, anticipating these issues is the key to protecting your investment, keeping tenants happy, and avoiding costly turnover.
Here’s a breakdown of the top tenant complaints in Phoenix—and how proactive property management can stop them before they happen.
1. HVAC Breakdowns: The #1 Complaint in Phoenix Rentals
The issue:
In Phoenix, air conditioning is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Tenants are quick to report problems with their HVAC systems, especially when temperatures soar above 110°F in the summer. A broken A/C can lead to frustration, emergency calls, and potential habitability violations under Arizona law.
The solution:
A strong rental property management plan includes routine HVAC maintenance, typically twice a year—once before summer and again in fall or early winter. Replace air filters every 30–90 days, depending on the system and tenant usage. Some property managers even include filter delivery programs to make this effortless.
Smart thermostats can also help reduce system stress, give landlords usage insights, and improve tenant satisfaction by maintaining consistent temperature control.
Pro tip: Keep a licensed HVAC contractor on standby. Delays during peak season can last days or even weeks. Your property management services provider should have relationships with reliable local vendors who prioritize emergency requests.
2. Pest Infestations: From Scorpions to Roof Rats
The issue:
Living in the Sonoran Desert comes with its own unique pest problems. Scorpions, cockroaches, ants, spiders, and even roof rats are common in the greater Phoenix area. These uninvited guests often sneak in during seasonal changes, especially during monsoon storms or when the ground becomes too hot and dry.
The solution:
The best defense is a solid property management strategy that includes scheduled pest control—preferably quarterly. Prevention is key here: once tenants are complaining about pests, it’s often too late for a quick fix.
Here’s what smart property managers do:
Conduct seasonal inspections for potential entry points
Seal gaps around windows, doors, and plumbing
Clear landscaping away from the foundation (pests love overgrown plants)
Educate tenants on proper trash handling and cleanliness
Tenants will appreciate your attentiveness—and you’ll avoid the stress of surprise infestations.
3. Noise & Neighbor Complaints: “Can You Please Tell Them to Turn It Down?”
The issue:
Whether you manage single-family homes or multi-unit properties, neighbor disputes are one of the most persistent headaches in rental property management. Noise complaints—especially involving late-night parties, barking dogs, or stomping above-floor neighbors—can spiral into lease violations or even police involvement.
The solution:
Your lease agreement should clearly outline expectations for noise levels and “quiet hours.” At move-in, reinforce these terms and provide a welcome packet that details community rules. Setting expectations early often heads off future complaints.
If a complaint arises, address it calmly and swiftly. Most of the time, a quick phone call or check-in is enough to resolve the situation before it escalates.
Bonus tip: Consider tenant mix and layout when leasing. Placing families with young children on ground floors, for instance, can reduce complaints about noise from above.
4. Delayed Repairs & Poor Communication
The issue:
Nothing frustrates tenants more than delayed maintenance or poor communication from their landlord. Whether it’s a leaky faucet, broken washer, or faulty smoke detector, unresolved issues can lead to tenant dissatisfaction—and eventually, vacancy.
The solution:
Responsive communication is one of the biggest advantages of working with professional property managers. They provide:
24/7 maintenance request portals
Emergency service lines
Regular follow-ups on repair status
With a good property management system, tenants feel heard and valued—which leads to better retention and online reviews.
Why Being Proactive Pays Off
The Phoenix rental market remains competitive and lucrative, but tenant expectations have risen in recent years. Renters want responsiveness, safety, and well-maintained homes. If you’re not delivering, they’ll move on—or leave a negative review that costs you future applicants.
That’s where full-service rental property management makes a major difference. Rather than fielding late-night calls or coordinating pest control yourself, an experienced team can handle everything for you—preventing most complaints before they reach your inbox.
Want to Avoid These Complaints Altogether?
If you’re managing one or more rental properties in Phoenix and feel overwhelmed by tenant issues, it may be time to hand over the reins to trusted local professionals.
At Real Estate Brokers of Arizona, we offer full-service property management services that take the stress out of ownership. From HVAC coordination to tenant relations and routine inspections, we help you protect your property, retain great tenants, and grow your investment.
👉 Learn more about our Phoenix property management services here:
https://www.realestatebrokersofarizona.com/phoenix-property-management
