Arizona · AZ · updated 2026
In Arizona, a landlord must return a security deposit within 14 business days
Quick answer
A Arizona landlord has 14 business days after the tenancy ends to return your deposit or send an itemized list of deductions. Miss it in bad faith and the landlord can end up owing you more than the deposit itself.
Under Arizona security deposit law, a Arizona landlord has 14 business days to return your security deposit, counted from when the tenancy ends. By statute, the deposit is capped at 1.5 months' rent. If the landlord misses the deadline or keeps money you are owed, you can push back in writing and, if needed, in small claims court.
- Return deadline
- 14 business days
- Deadline counted from
- the tenancy ends
- Itemized statement
- Required
- Move-in condition list
- Required of the landlord
- Maximum deposit
- 1.5 months' rent
- Interest on deposit
- Not required
Calculate your exact Arizona deadline
Enter your move-out date to see the exact calendar date the deadline lands on. It runs on your device, so nothing you type is uploaded.
What a Arizona landlord can deduct
- Unpaid rent and unpaid utilities you owe under the lease
- Repair of damage beyond ordinary wear and tear (not normal aging, fading, or minor marks)
- An itemized written statement of every deduction (Arizona requires it, so ask for it in writing)
If the landlord withholds in bad faith
Tenant may recover the deposit plus damages equal to twice the amount wrongfully withheld.
How to get your deposit back in Arizona
- Document the unit's condition at move-out with dated photos of every room (a move-in / move-out checklist keeps it organized).
- Confirm your exact return deadline with the deadline calculator.
- If the deadline passes, send a written demand letter citing the statute and the amount owed.
- If it is still ignored, you can file in small claims court.
Common Arizona deposit disputes
- The deadline passed and you have heard nothing
- Send a written demand letter citing the statute and the amount owed. Keep proof you sent it.
- You got money back but disagree with the deductions
- Arizona requires an itemized statement, so ask for it in writing first, then dispute anything charged as ordinary wear and tear.
- You are still deciding whether the case is worth it
- Confirm the exact deadline below, gather your dated move-out photos, and read the penalty your state allows before you commit.
Frequently asked
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Arizona?
- In Arizona, a landlord must return a security deposit within 14 business days.
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Arizona?
- Arizona caps the security deposit at 1.5 months' rent.
- Can my Arizona landlord keep my deposit for cleaning or normal wear?
- Deductions are generally limited to unpaid rent and damage beyond ordinary wear and tear. Arizona requires the landlord to give an itemized statement of deductions.
- Does a Arizona landlord have to pay interest on my deposit?
- No. Arizona does not require the landlord to pay interest on the security deposit.
- What if my Arizona landlord wrongfully keeps my deposit?
- Tenant may recover the deposit plus damages equal to twice the amount wrongfully withheld.
14 business days runs only once termination, possession delivery, and tenant's demand have all occurred. Landlord must give a move-in form for existing damage. Tenant has 60 days to dispute itemized deductions or waives claims.