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Arizona security deposit: 14 business days to get it back

Within 14 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, after the tenancy ends, the tenant delivers possession and the tenant demands the deposit, the landlord must send an itemized list of deductions and any refund by first-class mail to the tenant's last known place of residence (unless the tenant agrees otherwise in writing).

What the law requires

Itemized statement
The landlord must provide an itemized list of all deductions together with any amount due. The deposit may be applied to rent and lease charges, including damages from the tenant's noncompliance, subject to the landlord's duty to mitigate. No receipt threshold is stated. If the tenant doesn't dispute within 60 days after mailing, the list is deemed final and further claims are waived.
Forwarding address
No forwarding address is required, but the clock runs only after the tenant delivers possession and demands the deposit. The landlord mails to the tenant's last known place of residence unless the tenant makes other written arrangements.
If the landlord breaks the rules
If the landlord fails to comply, the tenant may recover the property and money due plus damages equal to twice the amount wrongfully withheld. The statute does not state a willfulness or bad-faith requirement and does not mention attorney fees.
Deposit cap
One and one-half months' rent, counting prepaid rent; a tenant may voluntarily prepay more. Any nonrefundable fee or deposit must be labeled nonrefundable with its purpose stated in writing; anything not so labeled is refundable.
Small claims limit
$5,000 in Justice Court (Small Claims Division)

If your landlord misses the deadline

  1. Write down your dates and gather proof: move-out date, the date you gave your forwarding address, the deposit amount, and anything the landlord sent. Photos and receipts help.
  2. Send a written demand by certified mail, keep the receipt, and cite A.R.S. § 33-1321. Give a date to respond.
  3. If you still aren't paid, file in Justice Court (Small Claims Division). Deposit claims up to $5,000 can be filed there, usually without a lawyer. Check the court's website for current filing fees and forms.

What a Arizona demand letter looks like

Re: Demand for return of security deposit / Rental address: [Street address, unit, city, state ZIP]

Dear [Landlord name]:

I rented the property above from you under a lease that began on [lease start date]. I paid a security deposit of $[deposit amount] on [date paid]. I moved out and returned possession on [move-out date].

My forwarding address is [forwarding address]. Please send my deposit and any required statement to that address.

[A.] I have not received my deposit or an itemized statement of deductions. Under A.R.S. § 33-1321, a landlord must return a tenant's security deposit, or send an itemized statement of any deductions, within 14 business days after the tenant moves out and asks for the deposit in writing. That deadline passed on [deadline date].

Preview of the first part of letter one. Yellow marks the parts you fill in.

Common questions

How long does a landlord in Arizona have to return a security deposit?

Within 14 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, after the tenancy ends, the tenant delivers possession and the tenant demands the deposit, the landlord must send an itemized list of deductions and any refund by first-class mail to the tenant's last known place of residence (unless the tenant agrees otherwise in writing).

What happens if a Arizona landlord keeps the deposit wrongfully?

If the landlord fails to comply, the tenant may recover the property and money due plus damages equal to twice the amount wrongfully withheld. The statute does not state a willfulness or bad-faith requirement and does not mention attorney fees.

Do I have to give my Arizona landlord a forwarding address?

No forwarding address is required, but the clock runs only after the tenant delivers possession and demands the deposit. The landlord mails to the tenant's last known place of residence unless the tenant makes other written arrangements.

Where do I sue for my deposit in Arizona?

Deposit claims up to $5,000 can be filed in Justice Court (Small Claims Division). Check the court's website for current filing fees and forms.

Other states

Rules reviewed October 2026. Laws change, so confirm with the statute before you rely on this page.