Question 1

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

Security, including prepaid rent, may not exceed 1.5 months' rent (a tenant may voluntarily prepay more).

Question 2

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

Within 14 days (excluding weekends and legal holidays) after the tenancy ends, possession is returned, and the tenant demands it: an itemized list of deductions plus any amount due.

Question 3

How much notice does a landlord have to give before entering a rental in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

At least two days' notice and entry only at reasonable times, except in emergencies or where impracticable. A tenant's maintenance request counts as permission to enter for that purpose.

Question 4

How much notice does a landlord need to give to raise the rent in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

Arizona's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act sets no rent-increase notice period (full-text search of the act). A month-to-month tenancy can be ended on 30 days' written notice before the periodic rental date (§ 33-1375(B)), and cities and towns are barred from controlling rents (§ 33-1329).

Question 5

Can a landlord charge a late fee in Arizona, and how much?

Accepted Answer

No fixed cap: only a reasonable late fee set forth in a written rental agreement may be required to reinstate the lease.

Question 6

What notice does a landlord have to give before evicting for unpaid rent in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

Written notice of nonpayment giving the tenant 5 days to pay before the landlord may terminate and file a special detainer action.

Question 7

Can cities in Arizona pass rent control?

Accepted Answer

Preempted. Cities and towns, including charter cities, may not control rents on private residential property (publicly owned or subsidized housing excepted).

Question 8

How much notice is needed to end a month-to-month tenancy in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

Either party may end a month-to-month tenancy with written notice at least 30 days before the periodic rental date named in the notice. Week-to-week tenancies need 10 days' notice.

Question 9

Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

The state landlord-tenant statute sets no requirement for landlords to pay interest on security deposits (full-text search of A.R.S. § 33-1321; §§ 33-1301 to 33-1381).

Question 10

Is a move-in or move-out inspection checklist required in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

At move-in, the landlord must give the tenant a signed copy of the lease, a move-in form for noting existing damage, and written notice that the tenant may attend the move-out inspection. On request, the landlord must say when the move-out inspection will happen.

Question 11

Is landlord retaliation illegal in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

A landlord may not raise rent, cut services, or bring or threaten an eviction after the tenant complains to a code agency or to the landlord about habitability, or joins a tenants' union. A complaint within 6 months before the landlord's action creates a presumption of retaliation, unless it came after a termination notice.

Question 12

Can a landlord change the locks or shut off utilities in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

If a landlord unlawfully removes or excludes the tenant, or willfully interrupts electric, gas, water or other essential service, the tenant may recover possession or end the lease. In either case the tenant recovers up to two months' rent or twice actual damages, whichever is greater.

Question 13

What can a tenant do if the landlord won't make repairs in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

For a habitability defect costing less than $300 or half a month's rent (whichever is greater), the tenant may give written notice. If the landlord does not act within 10 days, the tenant may have a licensed contractor fix it and deduct the cost with an itemized statement and lien waiver. Separate remedies cover missing water, heat, cooling and other essential services.

Question 14

What disclosures must a landlord give tenants in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

At or before move-in, the landlord must disclose in writing the name and address of the manager and of the owner or agent for service, and tell the tenant the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act is available on the Department of Housing website. The purpose of any nonrefundable fee must be stated in writing.

Question 15

What can a landlord do with property a tenant leaves behind in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

Abandonment means 7 days' absence with rent unpaid for 10 days, or 5 days' absence with rent unpaid for 5 days and no belongings left. The landlord must mail and post a notice for 5 days, then may retake the unit. Belongings must be inventoried and held for 14 days, then may be donated or sold, with proceeds applied to amounts owed.

Question 16

Can a tenant break a lease early for domestic violence or military service in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

Victims of domestic violence, or of sexual assault in the dwelling, may end the lease without future rent or early-termination fees. They must give written notice with a release date within 30 days, plus a protective order or police report.

Question 17

Is there a grace period before a late fee can be charged in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

Arizona's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act sets no late-fee grace period or cap. It refers only to a 'reasonable late fee set forth in a written rental agreement' (§ 33-1368(B)).

Question 18

How does the eviction court process work in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

The summons is issued the day the complaint is filed, and the tenant must appear and answer 3 to 6 days after the summons date.

Question 19

Can a tenant fix something and deduct it from rent in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

If the landlord fails to keep the unit fit and the repair costs less than $300 or half a month's rent (whichever is greater), the tenant may give written notice; if not fixed in 10 days (sooner in emergencies), the tenant may have a licensed contractor do the work and deduct the cost after giving an itemized statement and lien waiver.

Question 20

What happens if a tenant stays after the lease ends in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

If a tenant stays without consent after the lease ends, the landlord may sue for possession. For a willful, bad-faith holdover, the landlord may also recover the greater of up to two months' rent or twice actual damages.

Question 21

How much can a landlord charge for a rental application fee in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

The state landlord-tenant statute has no application-fee cap (full-text search of A.R.S. § 33-1321(B); ch. 10 full-text searched). The landlord must state the purpose of any nonrefundable fee in writing, and any fee not designated nonrefundable is refundable.

Question 22

Does a landlord have to give notice before not renewing a lease in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

The state landlord-tenant statute has no notice requirement for ending a fixed-term lease at its end (full-text search of A.R.S. ch. 10 full-text searched; § 33-1375). The notice rules in § 33-1375 cover week-to-week (10 days) and month-to-month (30 days) tenancies.

Question 23

Can a tenant sublet an apartment in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

The state landlord-tenant statute has no provision on subletting or assigning a residential lease, so the lease terms control (full-text search of A.R.S. ch. 10 full-text searched).

Question 24

What happens to the lease when a tenant dies in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

A landlord may ask the tenant to name a person authorized to retrieve and store the tenant's property (including animals) if the tenant dies or is incapacitated. If that person can't be reached or doesn't respond within 1 day for an animal or 10 days for other property, the landlord may follow the abandoned-property rules.

Question 25

Can a landlord refuse Section 8 or other source of income in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

Arizona's fair housing section bars refusing to rent because of race, color, religion, sex, familial status or national origin (disability is covered separately). Source of income is not on the list. Check local ordinances.

Question 26

Can a tenant withhold rent for repairs in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

When a tenant raises the landlord's noncompliance as a defense or counterclaim in a possession case, the court may, after notice and a hearing, order the tenant to pay undisputed accrued rent and all new rent into court. Arizona has no general rent-escrow program.

Question 27

What is the eviction record sealing rule in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

The court must seal all records of an eviction case that is dismissed before judgment or decided in the tenant's favor. It must also seal the case when landlord and tenant file a written stipulation to set aside the eviction order.

Question 28

What is the tenant relocation assistance rule in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

Arizona's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act has no requirement for landlords to pay tenants relocation assistance (full-text search of the act, A.R.S. §§ 33-1301 to 33-1381). Government relocation programs, such as those for public projects, are in other laws not reviewed here.

Question 29

What is the rent receipts, payment methods & cash rule in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

Arizona's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act has no rule requiring rent receipts, requiring or banning any payment method, or limiting payment fees (full-text search of the act, A.R.S. §§ 33-1301 to 33-1381). Unless otherwise agreed, rent is due at the time and place the parties agreed.

Question 30

How much does it cost to file an eviction in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

$35 base fee. Justice courts charge an initial filing fee of $35 for forcible entry and detainer (eviction) filings, compared with $73 for other civil cases. Separate fees apply to later filings and writs (for example, $28 to issue a writ). This is the justice court fee; superior court fees and surcharges differ.

Question 31

What is the right to cure / redeem rule in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for lease violations. If the breach can be fixed by repair, paying damages or otherwise and the tenant fixes it before the date in the notice, the lease does not end. Code text: "if the breach is remediable by repair or the payment of damages or otherwise, and the tenant adequately remedies the breach before the date specified in the notice, the rental agreement will not terminate."

Question 32

What is the eviction notices for other grounds (lease violation, no-fault) rule in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

For a material lease violation, the landlord gives a written notice saying the lease ends at least 10 days after the tenant receives it unless the breach is fixed within 10 days (5 days for violations affecting health and safety). Code text: "the rental agreement will terminate on a date not less than ten days after receipt of the notice if the breach is not remedied in ten days."

Question 33

What is the manufactured / mobile home parks rule in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

A mobile home park landlord cannot end or refuse to renew a tenancy without good cause, such as breaking the rental agreement, nonpayment or a change in land use, and must state the reasons in writing with specific facts. Code text: "The landlord may not terminate or refuse to renew a tenancy without good cause."

Question 34

What is the domestic violence early termination rule in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

A victim of domestic violence, or of sexual assault in the dwelling, may end the lease without future rent or early-termination fees by giving written notice with a release date within 30 days plus a protective order or police report. Code text: "A tenant may terminate a rental agreement pursuant to this section if the tenant provides to the landlord written notice pursuant to this section that the tenant is the victim of domestic violence."

Question 35

What is the military lease termination (federal scra, all states) rule in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

Federal law that applies in every state: under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, a tenant may end a residential lease after entering military service, or after getting permanent-change-of-station orders or deployment orders of at least 90 days, by delivering written notice and a copy of the orders to the landlord. For a lease with monthly rent, termination takes effect 30 days after the next rent due date following delivery of the notice. Any state-specific rule on this page also applies. Code text: "The lessee on a lease described in subsection (b) may, at the lessee's option, terminate the lease at any time after" entering military service, the date of the military orders, or the date of a stop movement order (50 U.S.C. 3955(a)(1)(A)-(C)).

Question 36

What is the rental / transient occupancy tax rule in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

Arizona state transaction privilege tax on the transient lodging classification is 5.5% of the tax base (gross proceeds from hotels, motels and similar transient lodging). Local TPT and other tourism taxes can add more. Statute text: "Five and one-half percent of the tax base as computed for the business of every person engaging or continuing in this state in: (a) The transient lodging classification described in section 42-5070" (Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 42-5010; classification § 42-5070).

Question 37

What is the guest & occupancy limits rule in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

Arizona treats a two-persons-per-bedroom occupancy standard as presumed reasonable statewide (including for political subdivisions), when the owner's occupancy standards apply to persons of all ages and were adopted and published beforehand. Statute text: "An occupancy limitation of two persons per bedroom residing in a dwelling unit shall be presumed reasonable for this state and all political subdivisions of this state." (A.R.S. § 33-1317(F)).

Question 38

Can a landlord deny a tenant for criminal or credit history in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

Arizona's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act sets no rules on screening applicants' criminal or credit history (full-text search of the act, A.R.S. §§ 33-1301 to 33-1381); federal fair-housing and FCRA rules still apply.

Question 39

What is the property manager licensing rule in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

Managing rentals for others for pay generally requires an Arizona real estate broker license: a "real estate broker" includes anyone who, for another and for compensation, rents or leases real estate, and A.R.S. § 32-2122(B) makes it unlawful to act as one without a license. Statute text: ""Real estate broker" means a person, other than a salesperson, who, for another and for compensation: (a) Sells, exchanges, purchases, rents or leases real estate" (A.R.S. § 32-2101(51)).

Question 40

Do landlords need a rental license or registration in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

Arizona requires every owner of residential rental property to keep its owner and contact details, street address, parcel number and year built on file with the county assessor, and to update them within 10 days of a change. Out-of-state owners must also record an in-state statutory agent. A tenant can give a 10-day notice and then end the lease if the owner still has not registered. Statute text: "An owner of residential rental property shall maintain with the assessor in the county where the property is located information required by this section" (A.R.S. § 33-1902).

Question 41

Can the city inspect my rental property in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

Arizona cities may adopt a citywide rental inspection program only after a public hearing, mailed notice to registered rental owners and a three-fourths council vote. Cities may not adopt rental licensing or their own rental registration, and A.R.S. § 9-1305 bars fees for initial inspections. Statute text: "A city or town may adopt a citywide residential rental property inspection program only if the following occurs" (A.R.S. §§ 9-1304, 9-1305).

Question 42

What are the Airbnb / short-term rental rules in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

Arizona cities and towns may not ban vacation or short-term rentals or regulate them by classification, use or occupancy, except for listed health and safety, zoning and nuisance rules applied the same way as to other residential property. Statute text: "A city or town may not prohibit vacation rentals or short-term rentals." (A.R.S. § 9-500.39).

Question 43

Does a landlord need just cause to evict in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

Arizona's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act has no general just-cause (good-cause) requirement for ending a tenancy (full-text search of the act, A.R.S. §§ 33-1301 to 33-1381). Local ordinances or other state or federal laws may still apply.

Question 44

What is the tenant buyout disclosures rule in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

Arizona's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act has no provision on tenant buyout agreements or buyout disclosures (full-text search of the act, A.R.S. §§ 33-1301 to 33-1381). Local ordinances or other state or federal laws may still apply.

Question 45

What is the deposit bank holding / separate account rule in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

Arizona's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act has no requirement to keep security deposits in a separate or trust account (full-text search of the act, A.R.S. §§ 33-1301 to 33-1381).

Question 46

What federal protections does a tenant have after foreclosure in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

Federal law that applies in every state: under the Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act (made permanent in 2018), whoever takes over a home through foreclosure must give a bona fide tenant at least 90 days' notice to vacate. A tenant with a bona fide lease signed before the notice of foreclosure (the date title passes) can stay until the lease ends, unless the unit is sold to a buyer who will live there as a primary residence; that buyer must still give the 90-day notice. Month-to-month and at-will tenants also get the 90 days. A tenancy is bona fide only if the tenant is not the borrower or the borrower's child, spouse or parent, the deal was at arm's length, and the rent is not far below market (unless it is subsidized). State or local laws with longer notice or more protection still apply, and any state-specific rule on this page also applies. Statute text: "the provision, by such successor in interest of a notice to vacate to any bona fide tenant at least 90 days before the effective date of such notice" (Pub. L. 111-22, SEC. 702(a)(1)).

Question 47

Does a landlord have to provide smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

Arizona requires an approved smoke detector in every new residential housing unit, and in an existing unit when a sleeping area is remodeled under a local permit. The tenant must keep the detector working unless the tenant tells the landlord in writing that it is malfunctioning, in which case the landlord must repair it. The landlord must give the tenant written notice of these tenant responsibilities. Statute text: "A smoke detector installed in a new residential housing unit or in a remodeled area pursuant to this section shall be maintained and kept operable by the tenant unless the tenant gives written notification to the landlord of its malfunction." (A.R.S. § 36-1637).

Question 48

Does Arizona have rent control?

Accepted Answer

Arizona has no rent control. State law preempts it: cities, including charter cities, and towns may not control rents on private residential property.

Question 49

What is the warranty of habitability in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

The landlord must comply with building codes affecting health and safety, make all repairs needed to keep the premises fit and habitable, keep common areas clean and safe, and maintain electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating and other supplied facilities and appliances.

Question 50

What disclosures must a landlord give in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

At or before move-in, the landlord must disclose in writing the name and address of the manager and of the owner or owner's agent for legal notices, and tell the tenant in writing that the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act is on the Arizona Department of Housing's website.

Question 51

What rights does a tenant have after foreclosure in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

A lease signed after a foreclosure starts must include a written foreclosure notice. If the owner gets a trustee's sale or foreclosure notice after the lease is signed, the owner must tell the tenant in writing within 5 business days. If not, the tenant may end the lease by notice and recover damages, with the deposit returned. Does not apply to buildings of four or more connected units. Federal law (Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act) may also apply.

Question 52

What is the scra / military lease termination rule in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

Only mobile home park tenants have a state military termination right (A.R.S. § 33-1413(F)); a landlord there may not prevent a member of the armed forces from ending a rental agreement on less than two weeks' notice after reassignment orders. No military lease-termination right was found in A.R.S. title 33, chapter 10, so ordinary residential tenants rely on the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.

Question 53

What is the pet deposits/fees & service/esa animals rule in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

No state statute setting a separate limit on pet deposits or pet fees was found in A.R.S. title 33, chapter 10. The general security deposit cap (1.5 months' rent) applies to all deposits.

Question 54

What is the condo conversion protections rule in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

A full-text search of the current official sections of Arizona's Condominium Act (A.R.S. Title 33, Chapter 9, §§ 33-1201 through 33-1261 and 33-1270) found no statewide requirement that a declarant give residential tenants notice of a condominium conversion, a right to purchase the unit, or relocation assistance. Section 33-1215(A)(11) requires the declaration for a conversion from multifamily rental to condominiums to include conversion-related statements, including that the property is such a conversion, the date original construction was completed, the name and address of the original owner, builder, developer and general contractor as shown on the applicable building permit, subsequent owners from county recorder records, and the subdivider's agreement to provide certain builder and improvement information on request. Those are declaration and purchaser-facing disclosure requirements, not a tenant notice or purchase right, and they are not summarized here as tenant protections. Other uses of 'convert' in the chapter concern development rights to convert units and common elements, not conversion of a rental building. Official section pages for 33-1262 through 33-1269 and 33-1271 through 33-1275 returned HTTP 404 on 2026-11-12 and are not current sections. Local ordinances or other titles outside this chapter may still apply. This is not a finding that conversion is unrestricted. The lease terms and any applicable local ordinance still need to be checked. This chapter's conversion language is a declaration disclosure for purchasers, not a statewide tenant-notice rule.

Arizona landlord-tenant law FAQ