Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 41-1491.25
Additional or substitute respondent
Operative Text
A. The attorney general may join a person not named in the complaint as an additional or substitute respondent if in the course of the investigation the attorney general determines that the person should be accused of a discriminatory housing practice. B. In addition to the information required in the notice under section 41-1491.22, subsection F, paragraph 3, the attorney general shall include in a notice to a respondent joined under this section an explanation of the basis for the determination that the person is properly joined as a respondent.
Under A.R.S. § 41-1491 et seq. § 41-1491.25, Arizona's Attorney General has the authority to add or substitute a respondent in a fair housing investigation if evidence surfaces that a person not originally named in the complaint may have engaged in a discriminatory housing practice. When such a person is joined, the Attorney General must provide them with a notice that not only meets the standard requirements but also explains the specific basis for including them as a respondent. This provision ensures that investigations can adapt as new information emerges, while still protecting the due-process interests of newly named parties.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers should be aware that A.R.S. § 41-1491 et seq. § 41-1491.25 allows the Attorney General to name additional or substitute respondents during an active fair housing investigation, even if those parties were not identified in the original complaint. Compliant operators generally maintain clear records of all decisions and communications related to housing transactions so that, if they are ever joined as a respondent, they can respond to the required explanatory notice with accurate documentation. Understanding that this joinder authority exists encourages housing providers to ensure that all staff and agents involved in rental or sales activities follow fair housing standards from the outset.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
A.R.S. § 41-1491 et seq. § 41-1491.25 can be relevant to tenants who believe that more than one party was responsible for a discriminatory housing practice, because it allows the Attorney General to bring additional or substitute respondents into an investigation even after a complaint has been filed. If a tenant has filed a fair housing complaint and believes another party played a role in the alleged discrimination, they may communicate that information to the Attorney General's office, which has the authority to evaluate whether joinder is appropriate. Tenants seeking to understand their options under this provision may also consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid office for general guidance on how fair housing investigations proceed.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
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