State Law Guide · Updated January 2026
Arizona Security Deposit Laws
Under Arizona Revised Statutes § 33-1321, Arizona landlords must return security deposits within 14 business days of a tenant moving out. Landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits face penalties of up to Up to 2x the deposit wrongfully withheld.
Quick Answer
In Arizona, landlords have 14 business days to return your security deposit after you move out and provide a forwarding address. The maximum deposit is 1.5 months' rent. If your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit, you can sue in Small Claims Court (up to $3,500) and may recover Up to 2x the deposit wrongfully withheld under Arizona Revised Statutes § 33-1321. Landlords must provide an itemized statement of deductions.
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What Arizona Law Requires
Return Deadline
Landlords have exactly 14 business days to return your deposit after you move out. If they make deductions, they must provide an itemized statement explaining each charge with documentation.
Penalties for Violations
Landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits face Up to 2x the deposit wrongfully withheld. You can file in small claims court for amounts up to $3,500without needing an attorney.
Interest Requirements
No interest requirement
Common Deductions Landlords Make
Federal guidelines from HUD and the IRS establish "useful life" standards that limit what landlords can charge. Many common deductions are partially or fully invalid under these guidelines.
Carpet Replacement
Typical: $500-1,8005-year useful life per HUD MAP Guide Appendix 5C. Charges may be reduced or invalid based on how long you lived there.
Pool/Spa Damage
Typical: $200-800May be contestable depending on your lease terms and move-in condition.
AC System Charges
Typical: $150-50015-year useful life per IRS Publication 527. Charges may be reduced or invalid based on how long you lived there.
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HUD/IRS Citations
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an Arizona landlord have to return my security deposit?
Arizona landlords have 14 business days (not calendar days) to return your deposit after you move out. This is one of the shorter deadlines in the U.S.
What is the maximum security deposit allowed in Arizona?
Arizona limits security deposits to 1.5 months' rent. Pet deposits are included in this cap. If your landlord charged more, you may recover the excess.
Can my Arizona landlord charge me for AC repairs?
Only if you caused actual damage to the system. Normal wear from heavy summer use, filter changes, and refrigerant top-offs are landlord maintenance expenses under Arizona law.
What if my Arizona landlord doesn't return my deposit in 14 business days?
You can sue for up to twice the amount wrongfully withheld. Arizona Small Claims Court handles disputes up to $3,500. For larger amounts, you'll need Justice Court.
City-Specific Rules
Some Arizona cities have additional tenant protections:
- Phoenix: Phoenix has additional habitability requirements that may affect deposit disputes.
- Tucson: Tucson requires landlords to provide specific move-in/move-out inspection rights.
Official Resources
- Arizona Department of Housing(Government)
- Arizona Courts Self-Service Center(Court System)
Compare Other States
See how Arizona's security deposit laws compare to nearby states:
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Based on Arizona Revised Statutes § 33-1321 · HUD Handbook 4350.1 · IRS Publication 527