Arizona Security Deposit Statute

Arizona's main residential security deposit statute is A.R.S. section 33-1321. It sets the deposit cap, written nonrefundable-fee rule, move-in and move-out inspection paperwork, 14-day return and itemization deadline, mailing rule, 60-day dispute issue, and twice-wrongfully-withheld remedy.

Official Arizona sources

• Official A.R.S. section 33-1321 security deposit statute
• Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act PDF

Always verify current statute text and current court procedure before filing or relying on a deadline in court.

A.R.S. section 33-1321: deposit cap

Arizona generally limits security, including prepaid rent, to one and one-half months' rent. The statute also says this does not prohibit a tenant from voluntarily paying more in advance.

A.R.S. section 33-1321: nonrefundable fees

If a fee or deposit is nonrefundable, its purpose must be stated in writing. Anything not designated as nonrefundable is refundable.

A.R.S. section 33-1321: move-in form and inspection notice

At move-in, the landlord must furnish a signed copy of the lease, a move-in form for existing damage, and written notification that the tenant may be present at the move-out inspection.

On the tenant's request, the landlord must notify the tenant when the move-out inspection will occur. The statute includes an exception for eviction for material and irreparable breach when the landlord has reasonable cause to fear violence or intimidation.

A.R.S. section 33-1321: deadline, itemized list, and mailing

Within 14 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, after termination of tenancy, delivery of possession, and demand by the tenant, the landlord must provide an itemized list of all deductions together with any amount due and payable to the tenant.

Unless the tenant makes other written arrangements, the landlord mails the itemized list and amount due by first-class mail to the tenant's last known place of residence.

A.R.S. section 33-1321: 60-day dispute issue

If the tenant does not dispute the deductions or amount due within 60 days after the itemized list and amount due are mailed, Arizona law can treat the listed amount as valid and final and waive further tenant claims.

A.R.S. section 33-1321: remedy

If the landlord fails to comply with the return and itemization rule, the tenant may recover the property and money due plus damages equal to twice the amount wrongfully withheld.

Arizona court and self-help resources

• Arizona Judicial Branch Small Claims
• Arizona small claims forms
• Arizona Judicial Branch Self-Service Center

These links are official court resources, not a complete filing manual. Local Justice Court filing steps, forms, fees, venue rules, and procedures can still vary, so confirm current instructions before filing.

Plain-English guides for these procedures

• Arizona 14-day deadline guide
• What to do if your Arizona deposit is not returned
• Arizona move-out checklist
• Arizona security deposit demand letter

The free guide above explains the Arizona statute. The paid system gives you the Arizona-specific letters in order, so you are not guessing what to send next.

Important: This page provides general information and is not legal advice.