Arizona Security Deposit Law: 14 Business Days to Refund, Twice If Wrongly Withheld
An Arizona deposit, including prepaid rent, may not exceed 1.5 months' rent (A.R.S. §33-1321(A)).
Within 14 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, after termination, delivery of possession and the tenant's demand, the landlord must send an itemized list of deductions with the balance by first-class mail (§33-1321(D)).
A tenant can recover the money due plus damages of twice the amount wrongfully withheld (§33-1321(E)).
The 14-business-day rule
| Rule | Detail | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Start of the clock | Termination of the tenancy, delivery of possession and your demand | §33-1321(D) |
| Deadline | 14 days, not counting Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays | §33-1321(D) |
| What you receive | Itemized list of deductions + the balance, by first-class mail | §33-1321(D) |
| Disputing the list | You have 60 days to dispute; otherwise the list is final | §33-1321(D) |
| Penalty | Amount due + damages of twice the amount wrongfully withheld | §33-1321(E) |
Because the clock only starts after you ask, send a written request for your deposit (with your forwarding address) the day you move out.
Count 14 business days with the calculator
How much can the deposit be?
The total of security deposit and prepaid rent may not exceed 1.5 months’ rent, though a tenant may voluntarily pay more rent in advance (§33-1321(A)). Any nonrefundable fee must be stated in writing; a fee that is not designated as nonrefundable is refundable (§33-1321(B)).
What you should get at move-in
| Document | Statute |
|---|---|
| A signed copy of the lease | §33-1321(C) |
| A move-in form to record existing damage | §33-1321(C) |
| Written notice that you may be present at the move-out inspection | §33-1321(C) |
Common questions
Q. I moved out two weeks ago and never asked for the deposit. Is the landlord late?
A. Not necessarily. The 14-day period runs from termination, delivery of possession and the tenant’s demand (§33-1321(D)). Make the demand in writing now.
Q. Is a “cleaning fee” refundable?
A. Only fees that the lease states in writing are nonrefundable can be kept as such; anything not designated nonrefundable is refundable (§33-1321(B)).
Statutes (official text): A.R.S. §33-1321
This page explains the statute in general terms and is not legal advice. Local ordinances, your lease and court decisions can add rules. Found an error or a law change? Tell us.