Arizona Security Deposit Law
Return deadline, statute, and penalties for Arizona renters.
Return deadline
14 business days
14 business days (weekends and holidays excluded) after the tenancy ends, possession is returned, and the tenant demands the deposit.
Penalty for late or wrongful withholding
Amount owed plus damages of 2× the amount wrongfully withheld
Governing statute
Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 33-1321
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Check my Arizona deadlineArizona security deposit questions
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Arizona?
Under Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 33-1321, a Arizona landlord generally has 14 business days to return the deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions. 14 business days (weekends and holidays excluded) after the tenancy ends, possession is returned, and the tenant demands the deposit.
What happens if a Arizona landlord returns the deposit late?
Amount owed plus damages of 2× the amount wrongfully withheld. Courts usually decide whether a penalty applies, and many states require showing the landlord acted in bad faith.
Can a Arizona landlord deduct from my deposit?
Landlords can generally deduct for unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, and must explain deductions in writing.
How do I demand my security deposit back in Arizona?
Send your landlord a written demand letter that cites Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 33-1321, states the amount owed, and sets a deadline to pay. Send it by certified mail and keep a copy. If the landlord doesn't pay, the letter is useful evidence in small claims court.
Last reviewed October 21, 2026. Read the official text of Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 33-1321. This page is general information, not legal advice. See our terms of use.