Arizona security deposit rules
Arizona limits security deposits to 1.5 months' rent (security 'however denominated', including prepaid rent; tenant may voluntarily pay more). The deposit must be returned 14 business days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays) after termination of the tenancy, delivery of possession and demand by the tenant, with an itemised list of any deductions. No interest is owed on the deposit under state law.
What the law requires
1.5 months' rent (security 'however denominated', including prepaid rent; tenant may voluntarily pay more). Returned 14 business days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays) after termination of the tenancy, delivery of possession and demand by the tenant. Cap is exactly one and one-half months' rent; capMonths recorded as 1 because the field must be an integer. Any fee or deposit not designated in writing as nonrefundable is refundable (§ 33-1321(B)); no specific pet-deposit rule. Wrongful withholding = twice the amount wrongfully withheld. No interest requirement. No 2024-2026 amendments located.
- Deductions: unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, itemised in writing. Cleaning and repainting after ordinary use are normal wear in most states.
- Deadline: the 14-day clock usually starts when the tenant moves out and, in many states, when a forwarding address is provided. Missing it typically forfeits the landlord’s right to keep any of the deposit and can add statutory damages.
- Interest: none required under state law. Cities in some no-interest states have their own ordinances, so check the municipal code where you rent.
Move-out checklist
- Give written notice of the move-out date and a forwarding address; many deadlines only start when the landlord has the address.
- Photograph every room after cleaning, with a timestamp. Request a joint inspection where the state allows one.
- If the deadline passes, send a written demand citing A.R.S. § 33-1321. Small-claims court handles deposit disputes in every state and most cap the claim well above a typical deposit.
Related Arizona rules
- Late fees: No statutory dollar or percentage cap and no statutory grace period; the landlord may collect 'a reasonable late fee set forth in a written rental agreement' (A.R.S. § 33-1368(B)). Reasonableness is undefined in statute. (Mobile home parks have a separate 5-day grace rule under § 33-1414, out of scope.) Late fee calculator.
- Notice to end a tenancy: 30 days' written notice before the periodic rental date, by either party; 10 days for week-to-week Notice calculator.
- All rules on one page: Arizona landlord and tenant law.
Frequently asked questions
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Arizona?
1.5 months' rent (security 'however denominated', including prepaid rent; tenant may voluntarily pay more). Cap is exactly one and one-half months' rent; capMonths recorded as 1 because the field must be an integer. Any fee or deposit not designated in writing as nonrefundable is refundable (§ 33-1321(B)); no specific pet-deposit rule. Wrongful withholding = twice the amount wrongfully withheld. No interest requirement. No 2024-2026 amendments located.
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Arizona?
14 business days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays) after termination of the tenancy, delivery of possession and demand by the tenant. The statute is A.R.S. § 33-1321.
Does a Arizona landlord have to pay interest on the security deposit?
No. Arizona law does not require interest on residential security deposits.