Arizona · Security deposits · Updated Oct 2026

Arizona security deposit law

In Arizona, your landlord has 14 business days to return your deposit.

Checked against official sources: Oct 23, 2026

Short answer

In Arizona, the deposit limit is: One and a half months' rent (all security and prepaid rent combined). The landlord must return it as follows: Within 14 days, not counting Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, after the tenancy ends, you give back possession, AND you ask for the deposit.

deposit limit: 1.5 months' rent
to return a deposit: 14 business days
deposit penalty: Up to 2×

Get your letter ↓ Check the deadline ↓

Get your deposit back, step by step

Before you move out, clean, take dated photos and video of every room, and return all keys.
Give your landlord your new address in writing. In Arizona: The landlord mails the itemized list and any refund by first-class mail to your last known address unless you arrange otherwise in writing.
Wait for the deadline: Within 14 days, not counting Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, after the tenancy ends, you give back possession, AND you ask for the deposit.
If the money or an itemized list doesn't come, or the deductions are wrong, send a demand letter (below). Keep proof of mailing.
If that doesn't work, sue in small claims court. Limit: $5,000, not counting interest and costs (raised from $3,500 in 2025). Small claims court in Arizona on RobinClaim

Deposit return calculator for Arizona

Find your state's deadline for returning a security deposit, whether your landlord is late and what you may be owed.

Security deposit demand letter for Arizona

A short, firm and polite letter asking your landlord to return your deposit by a date. It cites your state's deposit law. Many landlords pay at this step, and the letter is proof that you asked. Fill this in, download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it), sign it, keep a copy and send it in a way you can prove, such as certified mail with a return receipt.

Your full name (required)

Where should they send your money? (your mailing address) (required)

Phone

Landlord or property manager (required)

The name on your lease or rent receipts.

Landlord's address (required to mail it)

Address of the rental (required)

I will hand it to the landlord or email it (no mailing address needed)

Date of the letter

Usually today. The deadline in the letter counts from this date.

Date you moved in

Date you moved out (required)

Deposit you paid ($) (required)

Amount the landlord returned ($)

Did you get an itemized list of deductions?

Days the landlord has to pay

We suggest 14 days.

Why the deductions are wrong (optional, in English)

One or two sentences. This text goes into the letter as written.

By downloading, you agree that we save the details you entered, as explained in our Privacy Policy.

Other formats

Sign it, keep a copy, and send it by certified mail with a return receipt. The receipt is your proof that the landlord got it.

Security deposit in Arizona

Limit: One and a half months' rent (all security and prepaid rent combined). You may choose to prepay more rent voluntarily.
Deadline to return it: Within 14 days, not counting Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, after the tenancy ends, you give back possession, AND you ask for the deposit. The landlord mails the itemized list and any refund by first-class mail to your last known address unless you arrange otherwise in writing. Ask for it in writing when you move out.
Itemized list: The landlord must send an itemized list of all deductions with the amount due to you. If you do not dispute it within 60 days after it is mailed, it becomes final. Receipts are not required by the statute.
What may be deducted: Unpaid rent, charges listed in your signed lease or allowed by the Act (subject to the landlord's duty to try to re-rent), and damages caused by your failure to meet your duties under § 33-1341. Any fee or deposit not stated in writing as nonrefundable is refundable.
Interest: The statute does not require interest.
Move-in checklist: At move-in the landlord must give you a move-in form to note existing damage and a written notice that you may be present at the move-out inspection. If you ask, the landlord must tell you when the move-out inspection will happen.
If the landlord keeps it wrongly: If the landlord does not follow the return rules, you can recover the money due plus damages equal to twice the amount wrongfully withheld.
Law: A.R.S. § 33-1321

Small claims court in Arizona

Deposit disputes usually go to small claims court, where you don't need a lawyer. Limit: $5,000, not counting interest and costs (raised from $3,500 in 2025).

How to file in Arizona

More for Arizona renters

Security deposit in nearby states

Sources

Checked against official sources: Oct 23, 2026