Arizona Security Deposit Demand Letter
An Arizona security deposit demand letter should state the tenancy-end date, possession-delivery date, deposit amount, tenant demand date, current mailing address, what is missing, and what the landlord must do next.
The letter should also identify whether the landlord missed the 14-day deadline, failed to send an itemized list, mailed deductions you dispute, or ignored your demand.
A good demand letter is not just a complaint. It creates a dated record of the trigger, the missing money, the itemized-list problem, and the proof you are relying on.
What the letter should include
- Landlord name and contact information
- Rental address
- Deposit amount paid
- Tenancy termination date
- Move-out date
- Possession-delivery date
- Tenant demand date
- Current mailing address
- Whether an itemized list was sent
- What deductions you dispute, if deductions were claimed
- Any move-in form, inspection notice, or move-out inspection request facts
- The amount or accounting being demanded
Use the correct Arizona rule
Under A.R.S. section 33-1321, the deadline is 14 days excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays after termination of the tenancy, delivery of possession, and demand by the tenant.
If an itemized list was mailed and you disagree, dispute it in writing within the 60-day window after mailing. Keep proof of your dispute.
Before sending the letter, gather the proof you would need if the landlord ignores it: demand proof, possession-delivery proof, the lease, the move-in form, photos, inspection records, the itemized list, envelopes, emails, and receipts.
Sample Arizona security deposit demand letter
Copy this sample and adjust it to match your facts.
[Date]
[Landlord Name]
[Landlord Mailing Address]
Re: Security deposit demand for [Rental Address]
Dear [Landlord Name],
I rented the unit at [Rental Address]. My tenancy ended on [Tenancy Termination Date], and I moved out on [Move-Out Date]. I delivered possession of the unit on [Possession Delivery Date].
I paid a security deposit of $[Deposit Amount]. I demanded return of my deposit and any required accounting on [Demand Date]. My current mailing address is:
[Tenant Current Mailing Address]
Under A.R.S. section 33-1321, an Arizona landlord must provide an itemized list of deductions and any amount due within 14 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, after termination of the tenancy, delivery of possession, and demand by the tenant.
As of today, I have not received [describe what is missing: the return of my security deposit, a complete itemized list, the amount due, or another deposit response]. Please send the amount owed or a complete itemized list within [5 to 7] business days.
If you are claiming deductions, please identify the exact amount retained for each category and provide support for the charge. I dispute unsupported charges, charges not authorized by the lease or Arizona law, and charges for conditions not caused by tenant noncompliance.
If you already mailed an itemized list, this letter also serves as my written dispute of the deductions and amount due.
I am preserving all remedies available under Arizona law where A.R.S. section 33-1321 applies and the facts support them, including the amount wrongfully withheld and damages equal to twice the amount wrongfully withheld.
Sincerely,
[Tenant Name]
[Tenant Phone or Email]
Related Arizona guides
- Arizona security deposit deadline
- What can an Arizona landlord deduct?
- Arizona security deposit evidence guide
- Arizona small claims basics
The sample above helps you draft your own letter. One letter can solve a simple problem, but harder disputes usually need a cleaner sequence: create the demand record, ask for the deposit or itemized list, challenge weak deductions, and then send a final demand if needed. The paid Arizona Recovery System packages that path so you are not starting from a blank page.
Get the Deposit Recovery System
Important: This page provides general information and is not legal advice.