Question: My tenant went online and posted a negative review about the rental property and about me. Can I evict him?
Answer: While it may be very frustrating when a tenant posts a negative online review, it is not a basis to evict. An eviction is a means for the landlord to regain possession of the rental property when the tenant is in breach of the lease or the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (the “Act”). If a tenant is posting lies online, that may be actionable under a theory of libel, but its not a violation of the lease or the Act. Therefore, while there may be legal remedies, including injunctions and civil suits, a landlord may not prevail in an eviction against a tenant for negative online postings.