General information, not legal advice. Landlord-tenant rules change, and cities and counties can add their own. Check the current statute and local ordinances, and talk to a licensed attorney before you act.
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The short version
- A landlord may not require security, including prepaid rent, above one and a half months of rent, although a tenant may choose to prepay more.
- Within 14 days, not counting weekends and legal holidays, after the tenancy ends, possession is returned and the tenant asks for it, the landlord must send the refund and an itemized list of deductions. The 14 days are business days.
- The itemized list goes by first class mail to the tenant's last known address unless agreed otherwise in writing, and the tenant has 60 days to dispute it.
- A landlord who does not follow the return rules owes the amount wrongfully withheld plus damages of twice that amount.
Arizona caps deposits at one and a half months of rent, prepaid rent included. Landlords have 14 business days after move out and the tenant's request to return the deposit with an itemized list of deductions.
Arizona security deposits at a glance
| Rule | Arizona | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit limit | A landlord may not require security, including prepaid rent, above one and a half months of rent, although a tenant may choose to prepay more. | A.R.S. section 33-1321 |
| Deadline to return the deposit | Within 14 days, not counting weekends and legal holidays, after the tenancy ends, possession is returned and the tenant asks for it, the landlord must send the refund and an itemized list of deductions. The 14 days are business days. | A.R.S. section 33-1321 |
| Itemized deductions | The itemized list goes by first class mail to the tenant's last known address unless agreed otherwise in writing, and the tenant has 60 days to dispute it. | A.R.S. section 33-1321 |
| Penalty for wrongful withholding | A landlord who does not follow the return rules owes the amount wrongfully withheld plus damages of twice that amount. | A.R.S. section 33-1321 |
How much you can collect
Deposit limit. A landlord may not require security, including prepaid rent, above one and a half months of rent, although a tenant may choose to prepay more. (A.R.S. section 33-1321)
Holding the deposit
Receipts and notices. The purpose of any nonrefundable fee must be stated in writing; any fee or deposit not labelled nonrefundable is refundable. (A.R.S. section 33-1321)
Deductions and normal wear and tear
A deposit can cover unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear. Everyday aging, such as faded paint, small nail holes or light carpet wear, is not damage.
Itemized deductions. The itemized list goes by first class mail to the tenant's last known address unless agreed otherwise in writing, and the tenant has 60 days to dispute it. (A.R.S. section 33-1321)
Returning the deposit
Deadline to return the deposit. Within 14 days, not counting weekends and legal holidays, after the tenancy ends, possession is returned and the tenant asks for it, the landlord must send the refund and an itemized list of deductions. The 14 days are business days. (A.R.S. section 33-1321)
Penalties for wrongful withholding
Penalty for wrongful withholding. A landlord who does not follow the return rules owes the amount wrongfully withheld plus damages of twice that amount. (A.R.S. section 33-1321)
Mistakes to avoid
- Skipping a dated move-in condition report with photos, then having nothing to compare against at move out.
- Charging for normal wear and tear.
- Missing the return deadline, even by a few days.
- Not asking for a forwarding address before the tenant leaves.
- Losing track of deposit money by mixing it with operating funds without a ledger.
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General information, not legal advice.
Verify current law
We last checked these Arizona rules on . Laws change and cities can add their own, so confirm the current text before you rely on it, and talk to a Arizona attorney about your situation.
Laws named on this page
- A.R.S. section 33-1321
Official sources
Arizona forms for this topic
Letters and checklists for this topic
Before you act on it. Check the statute too; this is not legal advice.
Is there a limit on security deposits in Arizona?
A landlord may not require security, including prepaid rent, above one and a half months of rent, although a tenant may choose to prepay more. Source: A.R.S. section 33-1321.
How long does a Arizona landlord have to return a deposit?
Within 14 days, not counting weekends and legal holidays, after the tenancy ends, possession is returned and the tenant asks for it, the landlord must send the refund and an itemized list of deductions. The 14 days are business days. Source: A.R.S. section 33-1321.
What happens if a Arizona landlord keeps a deposit wrongly?
A landlord who does not follow the return rules owes the amount wrongfully withheld plus damages of twice that amount. Source: A.R.S. section 33-1321.