Arizona Security Deposit Laws
Complete guide to security deposit rules, deadlines, and tenant rights in Arizona.
14
Days to Return
1.5 months' rent
Max Deposit
Yes
Itemization Required
Up to 2x (bad faith penalty)
Potential Penalty
Security Deposit Return Deadline
Landlords have 14 business days after termination of the rental agreement and delivery of possession to return the security deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions.
Legal Reference: Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 33-1321
Maximum Security Deposit
Security deposits in Arizona are limited to one and one-half months' rent. This applies to both furnished and unfurnished units.
Legal Reference: Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 33-1321(A)
Penalties for Violations
Up to 2x (bad faith penalty)
If a landlord wrongfully withholds a security deposit, tenants may recover up to twice the amount wrongfully withheld plus actual damages.
Legal Reference: Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 33-1321(D)
What is Normal Wear and Tear?
Landlords generally cannot charge tenants for normal wear and tear. Examples typically include:
- ✓Faded paint or wallpaper from sunlight
- ✓Carpet worn from normal use
- ✓Minor scuffs on walls from furniture
- ✓Small nail holes from hanging pictures
- ✓Worn finishes on fixtures from normal use
- ✓Minor scratches on hardwood floors
Landlord Obligations
- 1Return deposit or itemized statement within 14 business days
- 2Provide written itemized list of deductions
- 3Apply deductions only for tenant-caused damage beyond normal wear
- 4Return deposit to tenant's last known address
- 5Cannot use deposit for damages caused by others
Tenant Rights
- ✓Receive itemized statement of all deductions
- ✓Right to inspect property at move-out
- ✓Sue in small claims court for wrongful retention
- ✓Recover up to 2x deposit if landlord acts in bad faith
- ✓Request walk-through inspection before vacating
Common Landlord Violations
These are issues that tenants frequently encounter with security deposits in Arizona:
- !Missing the 14-day deadline
- !Charging for normal wear and tear
- !Not providing itemized deductions
- !Deducting for pre-existing damage
- !Charging full replacement cost without depreciation
- !Not returning deposit to tenant's last known address
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a landlord have to return my deposit in Arizona?
In Arizona, landlords have 14 business days from when you vacate and return keys to return your deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions.
What can an Arizona landlord deduct from my security deposit?
Landlords can deduct for: unpaid rent, unpaid utilities, cleaning costs beyond normal wear, and repairs for tenant-caused damage. They cannot deduct for normal wear and tear.
What is the maximum security deposit in Arizona?
Arizona limits security deposits to one and one-half months' rent for most residential rentals.