Parents Infringing On Tenant Rights

Summary

In arizona, landlords cannot impose unreasonable restrictions on tenants. Verbal agreements can be legally binding, and landlords must provide written notice before eviction. Tenants have the right to privacy and quiet enjoyment of their rented space. Seek legal advice if your rights are being violated.

Full Conversation

I am renting my room in my parents house and I think they are abusing my rights.
What specific actions are your parents taking that you believe are infringing on your rights as a tenant?
They are making me pay $* a month for my bedroom but, will not allow me to go leave the house after *:00pm or stay other places over night. They tell me they will evict me if I'm not home every night by *:00pm.
Are these conditions mentioned in your rental agreement? In Arizona, landlords cannot impose unreasonable restrictions on tenants. However, if it's in the lease, it might be enforceable.
I don't have a renters agreement. They made me sign a contract in July but, it was called a "family agreement", it was not a renters contract.
Did the "family agreement" you signed include the conditions about your curfew and overnight stays?

In Arizona, a written agreement, even if not a formal lease, can still be legally binding.
The family agreement told me my curfew was *:00pm but, my parents had told me and I have it through text message that if I couldn't be home by *:* I could find somewhere to stay overnight until the next morning. I didn't sign anything saying I couldn't stay out of my home over night.
Did you pay any security deposit or rent when you moved in? In Arizona, verbal agreements can also be considered legally binding.
I have not, my security deposit is due on Thursday.
What is the amount of the security deposit you are expected to pay?

In Arizona, landlords can charge up to *.* times the monthly rent as a security deposit.
$*
In Arizona, the security deposit cannot exceed *.* times the monthly rent. If your rent is $*, the maximum deposit should be $*.
Okay
Have you discussed these issues with your parents?

In Arizona, it's important to communicate with your landlord about any concerns or disputes.
Yes, but they always threaten to kick me out.
What is the exact wording of the eviction threat in the text messages? In Arizona, landlords must provide written notice before eviction.
They tell me: "My house, my rules - if you don't like it, leave".
In Arizona, landlords must provide a formal written notice for eviction. Verbal threats or text messages do not constitute a legal eviction notice. Have you received any formal written eviction notice?
No
In Arizona, without a formal eviction notice, they cannot legally evict you. If you feel your rights are being violated, consider contacting a local tenant rights organization.
I'm not scared of being evicted, I just want my rights.
In Arizona, as a tenant, you have the right to:

- Quiet enjoyment of your rented space
- A safe and habitable living environment
- Privacy

You may contact Arizona Tenants Advocates at (*) *-* for further assistance.
How can I get a mediator involves?
To involve a mediator in Arizona, you can contact the Arizona Attorney General's Office. They offer a free mediation service. Their contact number is (*) *-*.
Is it legal for my parents to rent me a room and also force me to abide by rules that are infringing on my freedoms as an adult?
What specific freedoms do you believe are being infringed upon? In Arizona, landlords can set reasonable rules, but they cannot infringe upon a tenant's basic rights such as privacy and quiet enjoyment.
What does quiet enjoyment mean?
Quiet enjoyment refers to the right of a tenant to enjoy the use of the premises without interference from the landlord or other tenants. It includes the right to privacy and peace.
Are my parents infringing on my rights by forcing me to be home by *:00pm every night or else they will evict me?
In Arizona, landlords can set reasonable rules, but they cannot infringe upon a tenant's basic rights such as privacy and quiet enjoyment. If you believe your rights are being violated, you may want to seek legal advice.
what are my privacy rights?
In Arizona, your privacy rights as a tenant include:

- Right to privacy in your rented space
- Landlord cannot enter without notice unless it's an emergency
- Landlord cannot control your personal life