Security Deposit Not Returned in Arizona: What Can I Do?
Arizona law sets a deadline for your landlord to return your security deposit after you move out. This page explains the deadline, what can be taken from your deposit, and what you can do if your landlord breaks the rules.
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After you move out and your lease ends, ask your landlord for your security deposit back. Your landlord then has 14 days to send you a written list of what was taken out of your deposit. Your landlord must also tell you any money you are still owed. The 14 days does not count Saturdays, Sundays, or legal holidays.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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Keep a copy of your request for your deposit back and take photos of the home when you move out. These records can help you prove your case if your landlord does not return your deposit or if you have to go to court.
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Your landlord must mail you the written list and any money owed by first class mail. Your landlord sends it unless you and your landlord agree in writing to a different way. Your landlord mails it to the last address your landlord has on file for you.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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Your landlord can take unpaid rent out of your deposit. Your landlord can also take out any other charges that your signed lease lists.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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Your landlord can also take out the cost of damage you caused by not keeping up your duties under Arizona's landlord-tenant law. Before taking that cost out, your landlord must first try to keep the loss as small as possible.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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Your landlord mails you a written list of what was taken out of your deposit. If you do not dispute what was taken out or the amount you are owed within 60 days after that, it becomes final. After that, you lose the right to dispute it.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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Move out and ask for your deposit. Your landlord then has 14 days to send a written list of what was taken out. Weekends and holidays do not count. If your landlord misses this deadline, you can go to court to get back the amount your landlord wrongly held. You can also get 2 times that amount as a penalty. For example, if your landlord wrongly held $500, you can recover that $500 plus $1,000 more, for $1,500 total. You get this money only if you win your case and your landlord pays.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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Arizona's security deposit law does not stop you from seeking other money your landlord owes you. You can still make other claims allowed under Arizona's landlord-tenant law.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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You can sue your landlord in Arizona's small claims court if the amount is $5,000 or less. Small claims court is a court for smaller amounts of money. You get this money only if you win your case and your landlord pays.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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Whoever is your landlord when your lease ends must follow Arizona's security deposit law, even if you first rented from someone else.
✓ Sources checked September 29, 2026
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