ISSUE:

A lease is executed between the landlord and two tenants. There is an altercation between the two tenants, and the police are called. During the search by the police for weapons, the police discover drugs owned by one tenant. Can the landlord terminate the lease and evict both tenants?

ANSWER:

Yes. Under A.R.S. §33-1368(A)(2), a landlord can immediately terminate a lease and evict all tenants if there is possession of drugs on the leased premises.

Arizona REALTOR® Magazine – September 2011