Whether you’re a renter in Phoenix who can’t get the air conditioning in your apartment fixed or a landlord in Tucson with some unruly University of Arizona on your hands, knowing your rights under Arizona’s landlord and tenant laws can save you from a lot of headaches. Here is a brief introduction to leases and rental agreements under Arizona law.
What Law Applies to Leases and Rental Agreements?
The relationship between landlords and tenants is regulated at the state level, through lease and rental agreement laws. Typically, these laws place limits on how much of a security deposit a landlord may require and which types of discrimination are prohibited. Additional tenant rights laws may protect tenants in certain disputes.
Arizona lease and rental agreement laws do not require interest on deposits and deposits must be returned within 14 days of termination of lease. While lease and rental agreement laws can vary from state to state, Arizona’s provide for the following:
| Code Section | 9-462.01(A) (11); 33-303, 342, 1321; 41-1491.14 |
| Terms of Leases | Lease does not automatically renew but is converted into a tenancy from month-to-month |
| Deposits | Limit 1 months' rent; interest on deposit not required; deposit must be returned within 14 days of termination |
| Discrimination | No discrimination on basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin; any municipality may establish age-specific community zoning and may restrict residency to head of household or spouse of specific age or older and prohibit minors; housing for older persons exempted |
| Uniform Residential Landlord & Tenant Act Adopted? | Yes  |
What Is the Uniform Residential Landlord & Tenant Act?
The Uniform Residential Landlord & Tenant Act (URLTA) is an attempt to standardize and simplify landlord-tenant law nationwide. Arizona is one of the states to adopt URLTA, though many states have not. Essentially, URLTA defines the responsibilities of both landlords and tenants. Landlords are required to comply with the building and housing codes, make all repairs and keep the premises in a fit and habitable condition, and supply running water among other things. Tenants must keep their part of the premises as clean and safe as possible, dispose of garbage and other waste in a clean and safe manner, and must not deliberately or negligently destroy, damage, or remove any part of the premises or disturb his or her neighbors’ peaceful enjoyment of the premises.
Related Resources for Leases and Rental Agreements Laws
State laws are constantly changing and contacting an Arizona landlord-tenant attorney may be the best way to know your rights and responsibilities. Or you can conduct your own legal research, perhaps beginning with FindLaw’s leases and rental agreements section.
