Phoenix Landlord-Tenant Rules
Phoenix adds local rules on top of Arizona landlord-tenant law. Here is what is different, with the city code or agency page behind each rule.
| Fair housing (local protected classes) | Phoenix's Human Relations Ordinance bans housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, national origin, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and source of income. It covers rentals, sales, insurance, financing and advertising. The source-of-income amendment, enforced since April 6, 2023, covers income such as Section 8 vouchers, rental and deposit assistance, Social Security and disability income, veterans' benefits, child and spousal support, and foster care subsidies. Listings saying 'No Section 8', or charging voucher holders higher rent only because of the voucher, can be violations. Complaints go to the Equal Opportunity Department within 1 year, at (602) 262-7486 or contact.eod@phoenix.gov. Effective date and income types are from the EOD FAQ: https://www.phoenix.gov/administration/departments/eod/faq.html |
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| Cooling requirement (local habitability standard) | Every rental unit with a cooling system must be able to cool all habitable rooms, bathrooms and toilet rooms to no more than 82 F with air conditioning, or no more than 86 F with evaporative cooling. Temperature is measured 3 feet above the floor in the center of the room. Cooling must come from permanently installed equipment and be kept hazard-free and in good repair. Text is quoted on a City flyer. |
| Habitability/code enforcement & complaint line | Report property violations to the Neighborhood Services Department online through the City's property-violation portal or myPHX311. NSD's general line is 602-534-4444. For urgent unsafe conditions, the Human Services Landlord and Tenant Program can arrange shelter, transportation, cooling-center access or repair coordination for eligible tenants (income at or below 80% AMI). Qualifying conditions include no AC above 82 F, an evaporative cooler failure above 86 F, no heat and no drinkable water. Call 602-262-7210. NSD reporting info: https://www.phoenix.gov/administration/departments/nsd.html. No City rental registration or proactive rental inspection program was found. Source: Phoenix City Code Ch. 39 |
| Tenant right to counsel | The City's Eviction Legal Services Program offers free full or limited representation in court, mediation outside court, and help after an eviction. To qualify, a household must live in Phoenix or get City water service, be at risk of eviction or already evicted, and have income at or below 80% of Maricopa County AMI. Apply by the online screening form, HSD.EvictionHelp@phoenix.gov or (602) 262-7210. This is a City program, not a guaranteed right created by ordinance. The page says eligible residents 'may receive access'. Source: Official source |
| Landlord-tenant counseling | The City's Landlord and Tenant Program offers free one-on-one education, not legal advice, to tenants and landlords on the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. Sessions are in person at the Travis L. Williams Family Services Center or by phone at 602-262-7210 (landlord.tenant.hsd@phoenix.gov). Source: Official source |
| State preemption of local tenant rules | Arizona preempts local rent control: cities, including charter cities, may not control rents on private residential property. Legislators can also ask the Attorney General to investigate a city ordinance they believe violates state law. If the AG finds a violation and the city does not fix it within 30 days, the state withholds the city's state-shared revenue. AG investigation statute: https://www.azleg.gov/ars/41/00194-01.htm. No Phoenix-specific AG ruling on the source-of-income ordinance was found. |
Eviction cases in Phoenix are heard in: Maricopa County Justice Courts (26 justice courts); the court is listed on the tenant's summons
Eviction court, fees and help
Right to a lawyer in eviction cases
No guaranteed right. A City-funded Eviction Legal Services Program provides free representation to eligible Phoenix residents at or below 80% AMI. Official source
Local agencies
- Phoenix Equal Opportunity Department — Enforces the Chapter 18 fair housing ordinance, including source of income. (602) 262-7486.
- Phoenix Human Services Department - Landlord and Tenant Program — Tenant/landlord education, emergency help for unsafe conditions and the Eviction Legal Services Program. (602) 262-7210.
- Phoenix Neighborhood Services Department — Code compliance for property violations, including the cooling ordinance. 602-534-4444.
- Community Legal Services — Free or low-cost eviction help, as listed by the Maricopa County Justice Courts.
Frequently asked questions
What landlord-tenant rules does Phoenix add on top of Arizona law?
Fair housing (local protected classes): Phoenix's Human Relations Ordinance bans housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, national origin, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and source of income. It covers rentals, sales, insurance, financing and advertising. The source-of-income amendment, enforced since April 6, 2023, covers income such as Section 8 vouchers, rental and deposit assistance, Social Security and disability income, veterans' benefits, child and spousal support, and foster care subsidies. Listings saying 'No Section 8', or charging voucher holders higher rent only because of the voucher, can be violations. Complaints go to the Equal Opportunity Department within 1 year, at (602) 262-7486 or contact.eod@phoenix.gov.; Cooling requirement (local habitability standard): Every rental unit with a cooling system must be able to cool all habitable rooms, bathrooms and toilet rooms to no more than 82 F with air conditioning, or no more than 86 F with evaporative cooling. Temperature is measured 3 feet above the floor in the center of the room. Cooling must come from permanently installed equipment and be kept hazard-free and in good repair.; Habitability/code enforcement & complaint line: Report property violations to the Neighborhood Services Department online through the City's property-violation portal or myPHX311. NSD's general line is 602-534-4444. For urgent unsafe conditions, the Human Services Landlord and Tenant Program can arrange shelter, transportation, cooling-center access or repair coordination for eligible tenants (income at or below 80% AMI). Qualifying conditions include no AC above 82 F, an evaporative cooler failure above 86 F, no heat and no drinkable water. Call 602-262-7210.; Tenant right to counsel: The City's Eviction Legal Services Program offers free full or limited representation in court, mediation outside court, and help after an eviction. To qualify, a household must live in Phoenix or get City water service, be at risk of eviction or already evicted, and have income at or below 80% of Maricopa County AMI. Apply by the online screening form, HSD.EvictionHelp@phoenix.gov or (602) 262-7210.
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General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.