Arizona (AZ) law guide
Quick answer
Arizona landlord-tenant law is governed by the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (A.R.S. Title 33, Chapter 10). Landlords may collect a security deposit of no more than 1.5 months' rent and must return it within 14 business days of move-out. Arizona has no statewide rent control, and landlords must give at least 30 days' notice before raising rent on a month-to-month lease. For nonpayment of rent, landlords must serve a 5-day pay-or-quit notice before filing for eviction.
Security deposit limit
1.5 months' rent (A.R.S. 33-1321)
Deposit return deadline
14 business days after move-out and tenant demand
Statewide rent control
None, banned statewide (A.R.S. 33-1329)
Nonpayment eviction notice
5 days to pay or quit (A.R.S. 33-1368)
Arizona rental market snapshot
Population
7.5 million (2024 est.)
Renter households
~35% of households statewide
Median rent
~$1,500/mo statewide (2BR avg.)
Largest rental markets
Phoenix, Tucson, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe
Phoenix is one of the fastest-growing rental markets in the US, with 2BR rents averaging $1,374 to $1,800 depending on the submarket. Scottsdale runs roughly 20-30% above Phoenix metro averages.
Arizona landlords may collect a security deposit of no more than 1.5 months' rent (A.R.S. 33-1321). This cap covers all deposits combined, including pet deposits and cleaning fees.
After the tenant moves out and makes a written demand, the landlord has 14 business days (excluding weekends and legal holidays) to return the deposit with an itemized list of any deductions. Failure to comply lets the tenant sue for twice the amount wrongfully withheld.
Arizona has no statewide rent control and prohibits cities and counties from enacting any (A.R.S. 33-1329). Landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper notice.
For month-to-month tenants, landlords must give at least 30 days' written notice before a rent increase takes effect. For week-to-week tenants, the minimum notice is 10 days. Late fees are permitted but must be reasonable and disclosed in the lease.
For nonpayment of rent, the landlord must serve a 5-day pay-or-quit notice before filing an eviction (A.R.S. 33-1368). The tenant has 5 days to pay in full or move out.
For a lease violation (other than nonpayment), the landlord must give 10 days' written notice to cure the violation or vacate. Repeat violations within 6 months can result in an unconditional 10-day quit notice with no right to cure.
Landlords must give at least 2 days' advance notice before entering a rental unit (A.R.S. 33-1343). Entry must occur at a reasonable time. Emergency entry (fire, flood, burst pipe) is allowed without notice.
After a tenant submits written notice of a repair need, the landlord has 5 days to begin addressing health-and-safety issues, or 10 days for non-emergency repairs (A.R.S. 33-1363). If the landlord fails to act, the tenant may terminate the lease or, in some cases, repair and deduct.
Arizona landlords must keep rental units in a habitable condition under A.R.S. 33-1324. This means working plumbing, heat, cooling (where provided), weatherproofing, and freedom from pest infestations.
Landlords cannot retaliate against a tenant for complaining about habitability issues, contacting a government agency, or organizing with other tenants. Retaliation within 6 months of a protected act creates a presumption in favor of the tenant (A.R.S. 33-1381).
Arizona follows the federal Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and familial status. The Arizona Civil Rights Act adds ancestry and age (40+) as protected classes.
Tenants may legally break a lease early for active military deployment (Servicemembers Civil Relief Act), domestic violence situations (with documentation), or if the landlord fails to maintain a habitable unit. Arizona small claims court handles disputes up to $3,500.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Governing statute: Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (A.R.S. Title 33, Chapter 10). Laws change; confirm the current statute or consult an attorney before acting. Last reviewed 2026-06-05.
Arizona FAQ
**No more than 1.5 months' rent** total (A.R.S. 33-1321). That cap covers all deposits combined, including pet and cleaning fees. A landlord who collects more than the limit is in violation of state law.
**14 business days** after the tenant vacates and makes a written demand. Weekends and legal holidays do not count. If the landlord misses the deadline, the tenant can sue for **twice the withheld amount** plus the original deposit.
Yes. Arizona bans rent control statewide under A.R.S. 33-1329, so there is **no cap on how much rent can be raised**. The only requirement is proper notice: at least **30 days** for month-to-month tenants before the increase takes effect.
**At least 2 days (48 hours)** written notice is required under A.R.S. 33-1343. Entry must be at a reasonable time. In a genuine emergency, the landlord may enter without any prior notice.
The landlord must first serve a **5-day written pay-or-quit notice**. If the tenant does not pay or leave within 5 days, the landlord may file an eviction lawsuit (forcible detainer). Self-help evictions such as lockouts or utility shutoffs are illegal.
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