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.
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).