---
title: "Arizona Landlord Rules: Deposits, Notices, Evictions | MCC"
description: "Arizona landlord-tenant rules: deposit capped at 1.5 months of rent, deposit returned within 14 business days. Official sources linked."
url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/tools/arizona-landlord-rules"
---

Free tool · Arizona · Landlords and tenants

# Arizona landlord rules: deposits, notices and the eviction steps

The deposit rules, notice periods, eviction case and small claims limit for Arizona, each from the state's own pages or courts.

**Quick answer.** Security deposit return deadline in Arizona: Within 14 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, the landlord provides an itemized list of all deductions with any amount due (33-1321(D)). Deposit limit: No more than one and one-half months' rent, counting prepaid rent (33-1321(A)).

**Sources checked:** November 2026

**Quick answer.** Arizona: deposit capped at 1.5 months of rent; deposit returned within 14 business days; 30-day notice to end month-to-month; 5-day notice for unpaid rent; 48-hour entry notice; $3,500 small claims limit. 19 of 23 items are confirmed on official pages; 4 are marked not confirmed, with the page to check.

## Key numbers

Deposit limit

1.5 months' rent

Deposit back within

14 business days

Month-to-month notice (landlord)

30 days

Unpaid rent notice

5 days

Entry notice

48 hours

Filing fee

Varies by county

Time to answer or appear

At the hearing

Judgment to writ

5 days

Small claims limit

$3,500

## Security deposit (6 of 6 confirmed)

Law read: A.R.S. 33-1321.

Need the other side served? [Process serving with an affidavit of service](/notary/process-serving).

- ### ConfirmedDeposit limit No more than one and one-half months' rent, counting prepaid rent (33-1321(A)). Source: [Arizona Legislature: A.R.S. 33-1321, Security deposits](https://www.azleg.gov/ars/33/01321.htm), checked November 2026
- ### ConfirmedReturn deadline Within 14 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, the landlord provides an itemized list of all deductions with any amount due (33-1321(D)). Source: [Arizona Legislature: A.R.S. 33-1321, Security deposits](https://www.azleg.gov/ars/33/01321.htm), checked November 2026
- ### ConfirmedItemized list of deductions An itemized list of all deductions (33-1321(D)). Source: [Arizona Legislature: A.R.S. 33-1321, Security deposits](https://www.azleg.gov/ars/33/01321.htm), checked November 2026
- ### ConfirmedInterest on the deposit None stated in A.R.S. 33-1321. Source: [Arizona Legislature: A.R.S. 33-1321, Security deposits](https://www.azleg.gov/ars/33/01321.htm), checked November 2026
- ### ConfirmedWhere the deposit is held None stated in A.R.S. 33-1321. Source: [Arizona Legislature: A.R.S. 33-1321, Security deposits](https://www.azleg.gov/ars/33/01321.htm), checked November 2026
- ### ConfirmedPenalty the law states Twice the amount wrongfully withheld, plus the money due (33-1321(E)). Source: [Arizona Legislature: A.R.S. 33-1321, Security deposits](https://www.azleg.gov/ars/33/01321.htm), checked November 2026

More: [Security deposit rules by state](/tools/security-deposit-rules-by-state#st-AZ) · [Deposit return deadline calculator](/tools/security-deposit-return-deadline-calculator?state=AZ)

## Notice periods (5 of 6 confirmed)

What the official text says about each notice. Cities and counties can add their own notice, just-cause or rent rules. Check local rules too.

| Notice | Rule | Source |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Ending month-to-month (landlord) | Written notice at least 30 days before the periodic rental date named in the notice (10 days for week-to-week). Either side may give it. | Source: [Arizona Legislature: A.R.S. 33-1375 (Periodic tenancy)](https://www.azleg.gov/ars/33/01375.htm), checked November 2026 (A.R.S. 33-1375(B)) |
| Ending month-to-month (tenant) | Written notice at least 30 days before the periodic rental date named in the notice (10 days for week-to-week). Either side may give it. | Source: [Arizona Legislature: A.R.S. 33-1375 (Periodic tenancy)](https://www.azleg.gov/ars/33/01375.htm), checked November 2026 (A.R.S. 33-1375(B)) |
| Rent increase notice | Not confirmed — check [Arizona Legislature: A.R.S. 33-1375 (Periodic tenancy)](https://www.azleg.gov/ars/33/01375.htm). Not in the sections read. Check A.R.S. Title 33, Chapter 10. | |
| Unpaid rent notice | 5 days after written notice of nonpayment and intent to terminate. | Source: [Arizona Legislature: A.R.S. 33-1368 (Noncompliance; failure to pay rent)](https://www.azleg.gov/ars/33/01368.htm), checked November 2026 (A.R.S. 33-1368(B)) |
| Entry notice | At least two days' notice, entering only at reasonable times, except in an emergency or where impracticable. | Source: [Arizona Legislature: A.R.S. 33-1343 (Access)](https://www.azleg.gov/ars/33/01343.htm), checked November 2026 (A.R.S. 33-1343(D)) |
| Late fee limits | A reasonable late fee set forth in a written rental agreement; no number stated. | Source: [Arizona Legislature: A.R.S. 33-1368 (Noncompliance; failure to pay rent)](https://www.azleg.gov/ars/33/01368.htm), checked November 2026 (A.R.S. 33-1368(B)) |

More: [Notice periods by state](/tools/landlord-tenant-notice-periods-by-state#st-AZ) · [Notice date calculator](/tools/notice-date-calculator?state=AZ)

## Eviction case, in order (7 of 10 confirmed)

- **Notice before filing** The written notice comes first; its length is in the notice table above.Unpaid rent: 5 days after written notice of nonpayment and intent to terminate.
- **Filing the case** Where the case goes and what it costs to start. #### ConfirmedCourt Justice court in the precinct; the statute also allows filing in superior court.filing an eviction action in justice court. Source: [Arizona Judicial Branch Legal Info Hub: Eviction Actions](https://www.azcourts.gov/legalinfohub/Legal-Process-Sheets/Eviction-Actions), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedFiling fee Set by your county court; ask the clerk. The statewide justice court schedule lists $41 for an eviction filing and says courts add local fees: Maricopa County's all-inclusive eviction complaint fee is $69.Please check with the specific court for additional local fees. Source: [Arizona Judicial Branch: Justice Court Filing Fees (schedule effective December 28, 2024)](https://www.azcourts.gov/courtfilingfees/Justice-Court-Filing-Fees), checked November 2026

- **The tenant's answer or appearance** #### ConfirmedTime to answer or appear The tenant appears and answers at the time on the summons, which is the trial date.appear and answer the complaint at the time and place named Source: [Arizona Revised Statutes 33-1377: Special detainer actions; service; trial postponement](https://www.azleg.gov/ars/33/01377.htm), checked November 2026

- **Hearing or trial** #### ConfirmedHearing after filing The summons issues the day the complaint is filed and sets the trial 3 to 6 days out; service must be at least 2 days before.not more than six nor less than three days from the date of the summons. Source: [Arizona Revised Statutes 33-1377: Special detainer actions; service; trial postponement](https://www.azleg.gov/ars/33/01377.htm), checked November 2026

- **Judgment and the writ** The order that lets the officer act. #### ConfirmedJudgment to writ The landlord returns to court for the writ of restitution after five days (sooner in some breach cases).the landlord must go back to court after five days to get a writ of restitution. Source: [Arizona Judicial Branch Legal Info Hub: Eviction Actions](https://www.azcourts.gov/legalinfohub/Legal-Process-Sheets/Eviction-Actions), checked November 2026

- **Lockout** Carried out by an officer, not by either side. #### Not confirmedWrit to lockout Not confirmed — check [Arizona Revised Statutes 33-1377: Special detainer actions; service; trial postponement](https://www.azleg.gov/ars/33/01377.htm). Not confirmed on an official page we opened.
- #### ConfirmedWho carries out the lockout A constable or deputy constable serves and enforces the writ (Maricopa County's page).A Constable or a Deputy Constable must serve the writ. Source: [Maricopa County Justice Courts: Writ of Restitution (to enforce an eviction order)](https://justicecourts.maricopa.gov/media/hytc03eh/howto-writ.pdf), checked November 2026

- **Along the way** Paying to stop the case, counsel and diversion programs. #### Not confirmedPaying to stop the case Not confirmed — check [Arizona Revised Statutes 33-1377: Special detainer actions; service; trial postponement](https://www.azleg.gov/ars/33/01377.htm). Not confirmed on an official page we opened.
- #### ConfirmedRight to counsel (statewide) No statewide right to counsel for tenants in eviction cases (as of November 2026, per the National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel): its tracker of enacted laws lists no statewide law here.An eviction right to counsel is created by an enacted law that, at a minimum: Source: [National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel (secondary source): National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel: Enacted Eviction Right to Counsel and Eviction Defense Programs (last modified November 2026)](https://civilrighttocounsel.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/RTC_Enacted_Legislation_in_Eviction_Proceedings_FINAL.pdf), checked November 2026
- #### Not confirmedDiversion or mediation (statewide) Not confirmed — check [Arizona Revised Statutes 33-1377: Special detainer actions; service; trial postponement](https://www.azleg.gov/ars/33/01377.htm). Not confirmed on an official page we opened.

For a material and irreparable breach the statute sets trial within three days of filing and restitution 12 to 24 hours after judgment. Maricopa's sheet counts the low end as three working days.

### Example: a case filed Monday, March 1, 2027

The earliest date of each stage the confirmed rules allow, from our eviction timeline estimator. Earliest under the statute; courts' calendars often take longer.

| Stage | Earliest date |
| --- | --- |
| Case filed | Monday, March 1, 2027 |
| Answer or appear | Thursday, March 4, 2027 |
| Hearing or trial | Thursday, March 4, 2027 |
| Judgment | Thursday, March 4, 2027 |
| Writ or warrant of possession | Tuesday, March 9, 2027 |

More: [Arizona eviction process](/tools/eviction-process-arizona) · [Eviction timeline estimator](/tools/eviction-timeline-estimator?state=az)

## Deposit disputes: small claims

- ### ConfirmedSmall claims limit (for a deposit dispute) $3,500: the most a small claims case can ask for.Not more than $3,500, not counting interest and costs. Counterclaims are capped at $3,500 too.Filing fee to start a case: $30. Source: [Arizona Judicial Branch Legal Info Hub: About Small Claims](https://www.azcourts.gov/legalinfohub/Legal-Info-Sheets/Small-Claims/About-Small-Claims), checked November 2026

More: [Arizona small claims court](/tools/small-claims-arizona)

## Still to confirm

- Rent increase notice: check [Arizona Legislature: A.R.S. 33-1375 (Periodic tenancy)](https://www.azleg.gov/ars/33/01375.htm)
- Writ to lockout: check [Arizona Revised Statutes 33-1377: Special detainer actions; service; trial postponement](https://www.azleg.gov/ars/33/01377.htm)
- Paying to stop the case: check [Arizona Revised Statutes 33-1377: Special detainer actions; service; trial postponement](https://www.azleg.gov/ars/33/01377.htm)
- Diversion or mediation (statewide): check [Arizona Revised Statutes 33-1377: Special detainer actions; service; trial postponement](https://www.azleg.gov/ars/33/01377.htm)

General information, not legal advice. We are not lawyers, and MCC Solutions is not a law firm. The same rules apply whichever side of the lease you are on; this page describes them and doesn't take a side. Rules change, cities and counties can add their own, a lease can add terms, and the official source has the final word.

## Common questions

**How much can a security deposit be in Arizona?**

No more than one and one-half months' rent, counting prepaid rent (33-1321(A)).

**How long does a Arizona landlord have to return a deposit?**

Within 14 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, the landlord provides an itemized list of all deductions with any amount due (33-1321(D)). What goes with it: An itemized list of all deductions (33-1321(D)).

**How much notice ends a month-to-month tenancy in Arizona?**

From the landlord: Written notice at least 30 days before the periodic rental date named in the notice (10 days for week-to-week). Either side may give it. From the tenant: Written notice at least 30 days before the periodic rental date named in the notice (10 days for week-to-week). Either side may give it.

**What notice comes before an unpaid-rent case in Arizona?**

5 days after written notice of nonpayment and intent to terminate.

**How much notice before a landlord enters a rental in Arizona?**

At least two days' notice, entering only at reasonable times, except in an emergency or where impracticable.

**How long does an eviction case take in Arizona?**

Time to answer or appear: At the hearing. Hearing after filing: 3 to 6 days. Judgment to writ: 5 days. These are the stated rules; the court's calendar often takes longer.

**What does it cost to file an eviction case in Arizona?**

Set by your county court; ask the clerk. The statewide justice court schedule lists $41 for an eviction filing and says courts add local fees: Maricopa County's all-inclusive eviction complaint fee is $69.

Related: [Landlord rules by state](/tools/landlord-rules-by-state) · [Kits for landlords](/toolkits/for/landlords)

## Keep rental records in order

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