Landlord Tenant Laws in Arizona (AZ)
The information below is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Arizona's landlord-tenant laws are governed by Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 33-1301 et seq.. The state receives a tenant-friendliness grade of C (Moderate) based on deposit protections, eviction procedures, rent control status, habitability standards, and available tenant remedies. Arizona's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act is based on the URLTA. State law preempts local rent control. Tenants may repair and deduct up to $300 or half a month's rent (whichever is greater).
Security Deposit Rules in Arizona
Arizona limits security deposits to 1.5 months' rent. This cap helps ensure that tenants are not burdened with excessive upfront costs when renting a home. Landlords must return the deposit within 14 days after the tenant vacates, typically with an itemized list of any deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear.
Eviction Process in Arizona
In Arizona, a landlord must provide 5 days' written notice before filing for eviction based on nonpayment of rent. This is a moderate notice period that balances the landlord's need for timely payment with the tenant's need for reasonable time to respond. For month-to-month tenancies, 30 days' notice is required to end the tenancy. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) are illegal in Arizona.
Tenant Rights in Arizona
Arizona provides some remedies for tenants facing habitability issues. Tenants may repair and deduct when landlords fail to maintain the property, but rent withholding is not permitted. Tenants should carefully follow the statutory procedure before exercising any remedy.
Rent Control in Arizona
Arizona has preempted local rent control, meaning cities and municipalities within the state are prohibited from enacting their own rent control ordinances. Landlords can raise rent by any amount with proper notice, subject only to anti-discrimination and anti-retaliation laws.
Landlord Obligations in Arizona
Landlords in Arizona are generally required to:
- Comply with building and housing codes affecting health and safety
- Maintain common areas in a clean and safe condition
- Keep electrical, plumbing, heating, and other systems in good working order
- Provide and maintain appropriate trash receptacles
- Supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water
- Provide 2 days notice before entering the rental unit (except emergencies)
- Return security deposits within 14 days with an itemized statement of deductions
- Follow proper legal procedures for eviction (no self-help evictions)
City-Specific Landlord-Tenant Information in Arizona
Many cities in Arizona have additional local ordinances or practices that affect landlord-tenant relationships. Below are notes for 5 major cities.
Phoenix
Phoenix follows state law. Large rental market with no additional local protections.
Tucson
No additional tenant protections. City has a housing code enforcement program.
Mesa
Follows state landlord-tenant law without local modifications.
Scottsdale
No local landlord-tenant ordinances beyond state law.
Tempe
College town with large rental market; follows state law.
Tenant-Friendliness Score Breakdown
Our scoring system evaluates each state across six categories of tenant protection. Arizona scores 56 out of 100, earning a grade of C (Moderate).
How Arizona Compares
Below is a comparison of Arizona with five states that have similar tenant-friendliness scores. This can help you understand where Arizona falls on the spectrum of tenant protections nationwide.
| State | Score | Grade | Deposit Limit | Eviction Notice | Rent Control |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona (AZ) | 56 | C | 1.5 months' rent | 5 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| Illinois (IL) | 56 | C | No statutory limit (Chicago: 1.5 months) | 5 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| Kentucky (KY) | 55 | C | No statutory limit | 7 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| Nebraska (NE) | 57 | C | 1 month's rent (no pets); 1.25 months (with pets) | 3 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| Pennsylvania (PA) | 57 | C | 2 months' rent (first year); 1 month (subsequent years) | 10 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| Michigan (MI) | 58 | C | 1.5 months' rent | 7 days | Rent Control Preempted |
Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona Landlord-Tenant Laws
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Arizona?
In Arizona, the security deposit limit is 1.5 months' rent. The landlord must return the deposit within 14 days after the tenant moves out, along with an itemized list of any deductions.
How many days notice before eviction in Arizona?
For nonpayment of rent, Arizona requires 5 days notice before a landlord can file for eviction. For lease termination without cause, 30 days notice is typically required. The actual court process takes additional time.
Can I withhold rent in Arizona if my landlord won't make repairs?
No, Arizona does not allow tenants to withhold rent. However, repair-and-deduct may be available as a remedy.
Does Arizona have rent control?
No, Arizona prohibits local rent control ordinances. Landlords can raise rent by any amount with proper notice.
How much notice must a landlord give before entering in Arizona?
Landlords in Arizona must give 2 days notice before entering, except in emergencies.
Relevant Statutes
The landlord-tenant laws of Arizona are primarily found in Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 33-1301 et seq.. These statutes cover security deposits, lease requirements, eviction procedures, landlord obligations, and tenant remedies. For the most current version of the law, consult your state legislature's website or a qualified attorney.
Explore More States
Use our landlord-tenant law lookup tool to quickly find laws for any state, or browse all 50 states compared side-by-side. Remember that local city ordinances may provide additional protections beyond what state law requires.
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for legal guidance on your specific situation.