Arizona Tenant Rights Guide

Last updated: April 2026

Arizona has no rent control anywhere in the state — it's been banned by statute for over 40 years. Landlords can raise rent by any amount with proper notice. Arizona's landlord-tenant act does provide solid protections on deposits, habitability, and retaliation.

Check your address to see what tenant protections apply to your rental.

Arizona at a Glance

  • Rent control: None
  • Statewide rent cap: None — landlords can raise rent by any amount
  • Preemption: Arizona state law explicitly prohibits cities and counties from enacting rent control (A.R.S. § 33-1329). The preemption has been in place since 1981.

What Protections Arizona Tenants Do Have

Even without rent control, Arizona law gives renters meaningful rights in these areas:

Security Deposit

Arizona caps security deposits at 1.5 months' rent. Landlords must return the deposit within 14 business days of move-out with an itemized statement. Wrongful withholding entitles you to twice the amount withheld (A.R.S. § 33-1321).

Notice to Terminate

Month-to-month tenants must receive at least 30 days' written notice before the landlord terminates the tenancy. Tenants must also give 30 days' notice to end a month-to-month tenancy (A.R.S. § 33-1375).

Repairs & Habitability

Landlords must maintain the premises in a habitable condition. After written notice, landlords have 10 days to begin emergency repairs or 5 days for minor ones. Tenants may have the right to repair-and-deduct or terminate (A.R.S. § 33-1363).

Retaliation Protection

Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants for reporting code violations, contacting a housing inspector, or joining a tenant organization by raising rent or threatening eviction (A.R.S. § 33-1381).

Lockout Prohibition

Self-help eviction is illegal. A landlord who locks you out or shuts off utilities to force you out may be liable for double your actual damages (A.R.S. § 33-1367).

Major Cities in Arizona

  • Phoenix — No rent control; Arizona state preemption prohibits it.
  • Tucson — No rent control; Arizona state preemption prohibits it.
  • Mesa — No rent control; Arizona state preemption prohibits it.
  • Chandler — No rent control; Arizona state preemption prohibits it.
  • Scottsdale — No rent control; Arizona state preemption prohibits it.

Arizona Tenant Resources

These organizations offer free or low-cost help to Arizona renters: