Arizona · Security Deposits

Understanding Security Deposits in Arizona

Arizona generally limits required security, including prepaid rent, to 1.5 months’ rent. Deposit return deadlines depend on the tenancy ending, possession being returned, and the tenant making a demand.

Required security
Required security, including prepaid rent, cannot exceed 1.5 months’ rent; tenants may voluntarily prepay more.
Return deadline
14 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, after termination, delivery of possession and tenant demand.
Dispute deadline
Dispute deductions within 60 days after the itemized list and amount due are mailed.

Guidelines for Landlords on Security Deposits

Provide the signed lease, move-in condition form and notice of the tenant’s right to attend the move-out inspection. Designate nonrefundable fees and their purpose in writing. After termination, return of possession and tenant demand, send itemized deductions and any balance within 14 days excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays. A violation of subsection D can expose the landlord to the money due plus damages equal to twice the amount wrongfully withheld.

What Tenants Need to Know About Security Deposits

Record move-in and move-out condition, return possession, and make a documented demand for your deposit. The statutory return period begins after all three requirements are met. Dispute deductions or the amount returned within 60 days after mailing, not receipt, to avoid the statutory waiver. Voluntary advance rent is permitted; that does not allow a landlord to require security over the cap.

The statute
Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 33-1321 — 33-1321. Security deposits
Read the official text ↗
33-1321. Security deposits A. A landlord shall not demand or receive security, however denominated, including prepaid rent in an amount or value of more than one and one-half month's rent.  This subsection does not prohibit a tenant from voluntarily paying more than one and one-half month's rent in advance. B. The purpose of all nonrefundable fees or deposits shall be stated in writing by the landlord. Any fee or deposit not designated as nonrefundable is refundable. C. On move in, a landlord shall furnish the tenant with a signed copy of the lease, a move-in form for specifying any existing damages to the dwelling unit and written notification to the tenant that the tenant may be present at the move-out inspection. On request by the tenant, the landlord shall notify the tenant when the landlord's move-out inspection will occur. If the tenant is being evicted for a material and irreparable breach and the landlord has reasonable cause to fear violence or intimidation on the part of the tenant, the landlord has no obligation to conduct a joint move-out inspection with the tenant. D. On termination of the tenancy, property or money held by the landlord as prepaid rent and security may be applied to the payment of all rent, and subject to a landlord's duty to mitigate, all charges as specified in the signed lease agreement, or as provided in this chapter, including the amount of damages which the landlord has suffered by reason of the tenant's noncompliance with section 33-1341. Within fourteen days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays or other legal holidays, after termination of the tenancy and delivery of possession and demand by the tenant the landlord shall provide the tenant an itemized list of all deductions together with the amount due and payable to the tenant, if any. Unless other arrangements are made in writing by the tenant, the landlord shall mail the itemized list and any amount due, by first class mail, to the tenant's last known place of residence. If the tenant does not dispute the deductions or the amount due and payable to the tenant within sixty days after the itemized list and amount due are mailed as prescribed by this subsection, the amount due to the tenant as set forth in the itemized list with any amount due is deemed valid and final and any further claims of the tenant are waived. E. If the landlord fails to comply with subsection D of this section, the tenant may recover the property and money due the tenant together with damages in an amount equal to twice the amount wrongfully withheld. F. This section does not preclude the landlord or tenant from recovering other damages to which the landlord or tenant may be entitled under this chapter. G. During the term of tenancy the landlord may use refundable security deposits or other refundable deposits in accordance with any applicable provisions of the property management agreement.  At the end of tenancy, all refundable deposits shall be refunded to the tenant pursuant to this section. H. The holder of the landlord's interest in the premises at the time of the termination of the tenancy is bound by this section.
Common questions
When is my Arizona deposit due?
Within 14 days excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays after tenancy termination, delivery of possession and your demand.
How long do I have to dispute deductions?
60 days after the itemized list and amount due are mailed.
What damages can apply?
For failure to comply with subsection D, the tenant may recover money due plus twice the amount wrongfully withheld.

Where do you stand in your own case?

Answer a few questions about your Arizona security deposits situation and get an assessment of your position, with relevant sources and next steps.

Begin Free Assessment →

No account required · Takes 5 minutes · Free

Related guides

Important: This page quotes and summarizes statutes for general information. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Statutes are amended; verify against the official source linked above. For advice on your situation, consult a licensed attorney in your state.

Sources and summary checked: 2026-09-26