At a Glance
| Question | Answer | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Security deposit limit? | 1.5 months' rent | Applies to all residential rental properties |
| Rent control? | No | State preemption law (A.R.S. § 33-1329) prohibits local rent control |
| Required notice to raise rent? | 30 days | For month-to-month tenancies |
| Lease required in writing? | Yes, for leases > 12 months | Oral agreements valid for shorter terms |
| Landlord entry notice? | 2 days | 2 days' notice required except in emergencies |
Security Deposits
Arizona law caps security deposits and establishes clear rules for their handling and return.
Landlords may charge a maximum security deposit of one and one-half months' rent. The deposit may include prepaid rent, but the total of security deposit and prepaid rent cannot exceed this limit. Nonrefundable fees (such as cleaning fees) must be clearly identified as nonrefundable in writing.
Landlords must return the deposit within 14 business days of the tenant vacating and delivering possession. The return must include an itemized statement of any deductions along with the remaining balance.
cite: Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 33-1321
Eviction Procedures
Arizona requires landlords to follow judicial eviction procedures. Self-help evictions, including changing locks, shutting off utilities, or removing tenant belongings, are illegal.
Notice Requirements
- 5-Day Notice: For nonpayment of rent. The tenant has 5 days to pay in full or vacate
- 10-Day Notice: For material lease violations that can be corrected. The tenant has 10 days to remedy the violation (with at least 5 days to cure before the landlord can proceed)
- Immediate Notice: For material and irreparable breaches, such as illegal drug activity, assault, or discharge of a weapon on the premises
Special Provisions
Arizona law provides an expedited eviction process for certain serious violations, including illegal drug activity, gang-related activity, and acts that pose an imminent threat to health or safety. In these cases, the landlord may file for an immediate court order.
cite: Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 33-1368
Rent Control
Arizona does not have statewide rent control. The state has enacted a preemption law (A.R.S. § 33-1329) that expressly prohibits cities, towns, and counties from enacting rent control ordinances. Landlords may set and increase rent without statutory caps.
For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must provide 30 days' written notice before a rent increase takes effect.
cite: Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 33-1329
Lease Agreements
Arizona requires leases longer than one year to be in writing under the Statute of Frauds. For leases of one year or less, oral agreements are enforceable but written leases are recommended.
Required Disclosures
Arizona landlords must provide the following disclosures:
- Lead-based paint (pre-1978 properties)
- Move-in condition form: A signed inventory checklist of the condition of the unit at the start of the tenancy
- Name and address of landlord or agent: The person authorized to manage the premises and act on behalf of the landlord
- Purpose and refundability of all deposits and fees: Written explanation of what each fee covers and whether it is refundable
- Bed bugs: Information about bed bug history and prevention (required since 2011)
- Shared utility arrangements: If utilities are shared among units, the landlord must disclose the arrangement
- Written lease copy: The landlord must provide the tenant with a signed copy of the lease
cite: Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 33-1321
Tenant Rights
Arizona provides the following protections for tenants:
- Habitability: Landlords must maintain rental units in compliance with applicable building codes and housing codes, provide reasonable weatherproofing, working plumbing, heating, cooling, electricity, hot water, and ensure structural safety
- Retaliation protection: Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants who complain to government agencies, exercise legal rights, or organize tenant associations. Retaliatory action within 6 months is presumed retaliatory
- Discrimination protection: Arizona Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, and disability
- Right to privacy: Landlords must provide at least 2 days' notice before entering the unit, except in emergencies
- Repair and deduct: If the landlord fails to make essential repairs after written notice, the tenant may have repairs made and deduct the cost from rent (not exceeding $300 or one-half month's rent, whichever is greater)
- Essential services: If the landlord deliberately or negligently fails to provide essential services (heat, cooling, water, hot water, electricity), the tenant may procure reasonable substitutes and deduct the cost from rent