Arizona Security Deposit Law
Arizona rules on security deposits for renters and landlords, with the statute or official page behind each answer. Last verified: 2026-10-22.
Short answer: One and one-half months' rent, counting all security however labeled, including prepaid rent. A tenant may still voluntarily prepay more rent. A.R.S. § 33-1321(A)
The rules in Arizona
| Security deposit limit | One and one-half months' rent, counting all security however labeled, including prepaid rent. A tenant may still voluntarily prepay more rent. The landlord must state the purpose of any nonrefundable fee or deposit in writing. Any fee or deposit not designated nonrefundable is refundable (§ 33-1321(B)). Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: A.R.S. § 33-1321(A) |
|---|---|
| Deposit return deadline | Within 14 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, after the tenancy ends, possession is delivered, and the tenant demands the deposit. The clock starts only after the tenant makes a demand. Unless the tenant arranges otherwise in writing, the list and refund go by first-class mail to the tenant's last known residence. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: A.R.S. § 33-1321(D) |
| Itemized deductions | The landlord must provide an itemized list of all deductions together with any amount due to the tenant. Deductions may cover rent, charges specified in the signed lease (subject to the duty to mitigate), and damages from the tenant's noncompliance with § 33-1341. If the tenant does not dispute the deductions within 60 days after mailing, the list becomes final and further claims are waived. At move-in, the landlord must provide a move-in damage form and written notice that the tenant may attend the move-out inspection (§ 33-1321(C)). Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: A.R.S. § 33-1321(D) |
| Interest on deposits | No statute requires the landlord to pay interest on a security deposit. The deposit statute contains no interest requirement. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: A.R.S. § 33-1321 |
| Penalty for withholding | If the landlord does not comply, the tenant may recover the property and money due plus damages equal to twice the amount wrongfully withheld. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: A.R.S. § 33-1321(E) |
Free calculators
- Security Deposit Deadline Calculator — See when your landlord must return your deposit, and the penalty your state sets if they don't.
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Related questions
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit?
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit?
- What can a landlord charge for at move-out (cleaning, painting, carpet)?
Arizona vs. neighboring states
| State | Security deposit limit | Deposit return deadline | Itemized deductions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | One and one-half months' rent, counting all security however labeled, including prepaid rent. A tenant may still voluntarily prepay more rent. A.R.S. § 33-1321(A) | 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) | The landlord must provide an itemized list of all deductions together with any amount due to the tenant. Deductions may cover rent, charges specified in the signed lease (subject to the duty to mitigate), and damages from the tenant's noncompliance with § 33-1341. If the tenant does not dispute the deductions within 60 days after mailing, the list becomes final and further claims are waived. A.R.S. § 33-1321(D) |
| California | One month's rent, in addition to the first month's rent. Small-landlord exception: up to two months' rent if the landlord is a natural person (or an LLC whose members are all natural persons) who owns no more than two residential rental properties with no more than four units in total. The exception does not apply if the prospective tenant is a service member. Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(c)(1), (c)(5) | No later than 21 calendar days after the tenant vacates. The landlord must return the remaining deposit with an itemized statement. Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(h)(1) | The landlord must give an itemized statement of deductions. For deductions over $125, it must include copies of receipts or invoices, or the landlord's own time and hourly rate. If work cannot be finished within 21 days, a good-faith estimate is allowed, with documents due within 14 days of completion. Deductions for repairs or cleaning must include photographs. The tenant may also request a pre-move-out initial inspection, at which the landlord lists proposed deductions so the tenant can fix them. Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(f), (g), (h)(2)-(5) |
| Nevada | Security deposit plus any surety bond may not total more than 3 months' periodic rent. NRS 118A.242(1) | 30 days after termination of the tenancy. NRS 118A.242(4) | Landlord must give an itemized, written accounting of the disposition of the deposit (and/or surety bond) with any remaining balance within 30 days. Deductions limited to unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear, and reasonable cleaning costs. NRS 118A.242(4) |
| Utah | No statutory cap. Utah Code 57-17-1 to 57-17-5 | No later than 30 days after the renter vacates and returns possession. If the owner misses it, the renter may serve a statutory 'Tenant's Notice to Provide Deposit Disposition', after which the owner has five business days to comply. Utah Code 57-17-3(2)-(5) | Required: written notice itemizing and explaining the reason for each deduction, with the balance of the deposit and any prepaid rent. Deductions allowed for rent, damage beyond reasonable wear and tear, other contractual costs and fees, and cleaning. Utah Code 57-17-3(1)-(2) |
| New Mexico | No cap for leases of one year or more (but if the deposit exceeds one month's rent on an annual lease, the owner must pay annual interest). For rental agreements shorter than one year: max one month's rent. NMSA 1978, § 47-8-18(A) | Within 30 days of the end of the rental agreement or the resident's departure, whichever is later NMSA 1978, § 47-8-18(C) | If any amount is kept, the owner must give an itemized written list of deductions and the balance within 30 days. No deductions for normal wear and tear; allowed for unpaid rent/utilities, repair work and other legitimate damages from the resident's noncompliance. NMSA 1978, § 47-8-18(C) |
| Colorado | Two monthly rent payments. A separate pet deposit may be no more than $300 and must be refundable. Monthly pet rent may be no more than the greater of $35 or 1.5% of monthly rent. C.R.S. §§ 38-12-102.5, 38-12-106 | Within 30 days after the lease ends or the premises are surrendered, whichever is later. The lease may set a longer period, up to 60 days. C.R.S. § 38-12-103(1) (as amended by HB 25-1249) | A written statement listing the exact reasons for any amount kept, sent with the balance. Deductions are allowed only for nonpayment of rent, utility charges, other lawful charges listed in the lease, and necessary repairs for damage beyond normal wear and tear that did not exist before the tenancy. If the tenant asks in writing within 14 days after receiving the statement, the landlord must provide relevant documentation (photos, inspection reports, receipts, invoices, estimates). Either party may request a walk-through inspection before move-out. C.R.S. § 38-12-103(1), (1.5), (8) (as amended by HB 25-1249) |
City rules that may add to state law
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Compare security deposits in all 50 states and DC →
Arizona Security Deposit Law FAQ
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Arizona?
One and one-half months' rent, counting all security however labeled, including prepaid rent. A tenant may still voluntarily prepay more rent. (A.R.S. § 33-1321(A))
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Arizona?
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))
Does a landlord in Arizona have to give an itemized list of deposit deductions?
The landlord must provide an itemized list of all deductions together with any amount due to the tenant. Deductions may cover rent, charges specified in the signed lease (subject to the duty to mitigate), and damages from the tenant's noncompliance with § 33-1341. If the tenant does not dispute the deductions within 60 days after mailing, the list becomes final and further claims are waived. (A.R.S. § 33-1321(D))
Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Arizona?
No statute requires the landlord to pay interest on a security deposit. (A.R.S. § 33-1321)
What happens if a landlord in Arizona wrongfully keeps a security deposit?
If the landlord does not comply, the tenant may recover the property and money due plus damages equal to twice the amount wrongfully withheld. (A.R.S. § 33-1321(E))
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.