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). Source: A.R.S. § 33-1321(A) (https://azleg.gov/ars/33/01321.htm), last checked 2026-10-15.

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. Source: A.R.S. § 33-1321(D) (https://azleg.gov/ars/33/01321.htm), last checked 2026-10-15.

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. Source: A.R.S. § 33-1343 (https://www.azleg.gov/ars/33/01343.htm), last checked 2026-10-15.

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 act read). 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). Source: A.R.S. §§ 33-1301 to 33-1381 (https://www.azleg.gov/arsDetail/?title=33), last checked 2026-10-15.

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. Source: A.R.S. § 33-1368(B) (https://www.azleg.gov/ars/33/01368.htm), last checked 2026-10-15.

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. Source: A.R.S. § 33-1368(B) (https://www.azleg.gov/ars/33/01368.htm), last checked 2026-10-15.

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). Source: A.R.S. § 33-1329 (https://www.azleg.gov/ars/33/01329.htm), last checked 2026-10-15.

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. Source: A.R.S. § 33-1375(A)–(B) (https://www.azleg.gov/ars/33/01375.htm), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Arizona's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act does not require landlords to pay interest on security deposits (full act read; § 33-1321 governs deposits). Source: A.R.S. § 33-1321; §§ 33-1301 to 33-1381 (https://www.azleg.gov/arsDetail/?title=33), last checked 2026-10-15.

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. Source: A.R.S. § 33-1321(C) (https://www.azleg.gov/ars/33/01321.htm), last checked 2026-10-15.

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. Source: A.R.S. § 33-1381 (https://www.azleg.gov/ars/33/01381.htm), last checked 2026-10-15.

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. Source: A.R.S. § 33-1367 (https://www.azleg.gov/ars/33/01367.htm), last checked 2026-10-15.

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. Source: A.R.S. §§ 33-1363, 33-1364 (https://www.azleg.gov/arsDetail/?title=33), last checked 2026-10-15.

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. Source: A.R.S. §§ 33-1322(A)–(B), 33-1321(B) (https://www.azleg.gov/arsDetail/?title=33), last checked 2026-10-15.

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. Source: A.R.S. § 33-1370(A)–(F), (J) (https://www.azleg.gov/ars/33/01370.htm), last checked 2026-10-15.

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. Source: A.R.S. § 33-1318(A) (https://www.azleg.gov/ars/33/01318.htm), last checked 2026-10-15.

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)). Full act read. Source: A.R.S. § 33-1368(B); §§ 33-1301 to 33-1381 (https://www.azleg.gov/arsDetail/?title=33), last checked 2026-10-15.

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. Source: A.R.S. § 33-1377(B) (https://www.azleg.gov/ars/33/01377.htm), last checked 2026-10-15.

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. Source: A.R.S. § 33-1363 (https://www.azleg.gov/ars/33/01363.htm), last checked 2026-10-15.

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. Source: A.R.S. § 33-1375(C) (https://www.azleg.gov/arsDetail/?title=33), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 21

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

Accepted Answer

A search of the full text of the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (A.R.S. §§ 33-1301 to 33-1381) found no application-fee cap. The landlord must state the purpose of any nonrefundable fee in writing, and any fee not designated nonrefundable is refundable. Source: A.R.S. § 33-1321(B); ch. 10 searched in full (https://www.azleg.gov/arsDetail/?title=33), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 22

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

Accepted Answer

A search of the full text of A.R.S. §§ 33-1301 to 33-1381 found no notice requirement for ending a fixed-term lease at its end. The notice rules in § 33-1375 cover week-to-week (10 days) and month-to-month (30 days) tenancies. Source: A.R.S. ch. 10 searched in full; § 33-1375 (https://www.azleg.gov/arsDetail/?title=33), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 23

Can a tenant sublet an apartment in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

A search of the full text of A.R.S. §§ 33-1301 to 33-1381 found no provision on subletting or assigning a residential lease, so the lease terms control. Source: A.R.S. ch. 10 searched in full (https://www.azleg.gov/arsDetail/?title=33), last checked 2026-10-15.

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. Source: A.R.S. § 33-1314(E) (https://www.azleg.gov/arsDetail/?title=33), last checked 2026-10-15.

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. Source: A.R.S. § 41-1491.14 (https://www.azleg.gov/ars/41/01491-14.htm), last checked 2026-10-15.

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. Source: A.R.S. § 33-1365 (https://www.azleg.gov/ars/33/01365.htm), last checked 2026-10-15.

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. Source: A.R.S. § 33-1379 (https://www.azleg.gov/arsDetail/?title=33), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 28

What is the tenant relocation assistance rule in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

A search of the full text of A.R.S. Title 33, ch. 10 (§§ 33-1301 et seq.) found no requirement for landlords to pay tenants relocation assistance. Government relocation programs, such as those for public projects, are in other laws not reviewed here. Source: A.R.S. Title 33, ch. 10 (§§ 33-1301 et seq.) (searched in full) (https://www.azleg.gov/arsDetail/?title=33), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 29

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

Accepted Answer

A search of the full text of A.R.S. Title 33, ch. 10 (§§ 33-1301 et seq.) found no rule requiring rent receipts, requiring or banning any payment method, or limiting payment fees. Unless otherwise agreed, rent is due at the time and place the parties agreed. Source: A.R.S. Title 33, ch. 10 (§§ 33-1301 et seq.) (searched in full) (https://www.azleg.gov/arsDetail/?title=33), last checked 2026-10-15.

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). Source: A.R.S. § 22-281(A) (https://www.azleg.gov/ars/22/00281.htm), last checked 2026-10-15.

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." Source: A.R.S. § 33-1368(A) (https://www.azleg.gov/arsDetail/?title=33), last checked 2026-10-16.

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." Source: A.R.S. § 33-1368(A) (https://www.azleg.gov/arsDetail/?title=33), last checked 2026-10-16.

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." Source: A.R.S. § 33-1476 (https://www.azleg.gov/ars/33/01476.htm), last checked 2026-10-16.

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." Source: A.R.S. § 33-1318(A) (https://www.azleg.gov/ars/33/01318.htm), last checked 2026-10-16.

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." Source: 50 U.S.C. § 3955 (federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act) (https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/121/htm_usc50@119-121.zip), last checked 2026-10-16.

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). Source: Ariz. Rev. Stat. §§ 42-5010, 42-5070 (https://www.azleg.gov/viewdocument/?docName=https://www.azleg.gov/ars/42/05010.htm), last checked 2026-10-16.

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)). Source: A.R.S. § 33-1317(F) (https://www.azleg.gov/arsDetail/?title=33), last checked 2026-10-16.

Question 38

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

Accepted Answer

Arizona's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (A.R.S. Title 33, ch. 10, §§ 33-1301 to 33-1381, read in full on 2026-10-16) sets no rules on screening applicants' criminal or credit history; federal fair-housing and FCRA rules still apply. Source: A.R.S. Title 33, ch. 10 (§§ 33-1301 to 33-1381) (https://www.azleg.gov/arsDetail/?title=33), last checked 2026-10-16.

Arizona landlord-tenant law FAQ