Arizona Law: Plain-English Guides

Key Arizona facts

Security deposit deadline

Within 14 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, after the tenancy ends, possession is delivered, and the tenant demands the deposit. A.R.S. § 33-1321(D)

Eviction notice for unpaid rent

5-day written notice of nonpayment stating that the landlord will terminate the rental agreement if rent is not paid within that time. A.R.S. § 33-1368(B)

Small claims limit

$5,000, exclusive of interest and costs. A.R.S. § 22-503(A)

Small estate affidavit

Personal property: 30 days after death, a successor can collect personal property (bank accounts, money owed, stock, vehicles) by affidavit if no personal representative has been requested or appointed and all personal… A.R.S. § 14-3971

Cost of a protective order

No fee to file a petition for an Order of Protection or to serve it. No fee to file an Injunction Against Harassment petition (service fees for that injunction may be deferred or waived). A.R.S. §§ 13-3602(D),(L); 12-1809(D)

Minimum wage

$15.15 per hour for 2026 (effective January 1, 2026). The rate is adjusted every January 1 for the rise in the cost of living, rounded to the nearest five cents. A.R.S. § 23-363(A)–(B); U.S. Department of Labor state minimum wage table

Final paycheck if fired

Within seven working days or by the end of the next regular pay period, whichever comes first. A.R.S. § 23-353(A)

Time limit to sue on a debt

6 years for a debt based on a written contract signed in Arizona. If another state's limitations period conflicts, Arizona's 6-year rule applies to these debts. A.R.S. § 12-548(A)(1), (B)