Reference: the security deposit rule in each state and covered city. To settle a deposit, use the free Deposit settlement tool.
Reference
Security deposit rules in Arizona
Arizona: return the deposit within 14 business days of the latest of the end of the tenancy, move-out and the tenant's written demand. Interest: no. Penalty if the refund or statement is late: 2x the amount withheld. (Ariz. Rev. Stat. 33-1321)
The rule in plain words
- Return by: 14 business days after the latest of the end of the tenancy, move-out and the tenant's written demand.
- Deductions allowed: unpaid rent, other lease obligations, damage beyond wear. Normal wear and tear never. Depreciation: none.
- Interest: No.
- Penalty: 2x the amount withheld if the refund or statement is late.
- Deposit cap: 1.5 month(s) of rent.
The rule text
Within fourteen days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays or other legal holidays, after termination of the tenancy and delivery of possession and demand by the tenant the landlord shall provide the tenant an itemized list of all deductions together with the amount due and payable to the tenant, if any.
Ariz. Rev. Stat. 33-1321(D). Source: Arizona Revised Statutes 33-1321 Security deposits, read 2026-10-09.
Notes on this rule (2)
- If the tenant does not dispute the deductions within 60 days after the list is mailed, the amount is deemed final (33-1321(D)).
- Nonrefundable fees must be designated in writing; anything not so designated is refundable.
Research notes (1)
How we sourced this rule: where the text was read and what we could not check.
- Amendment date of that sentence not established.
Worked example
A $2,000.00 deposit; the tenant moved in on June 1, 2023 and out on September 30, 2026. Intended deductions: $300.00 unpaid rent, $150.00 cleaning and a $1,200.00 carpet that was 5 years old.
- Return by
- Not started
Runs from the latest of the end of the tenancy, move-out and the tenant's written demand.
- Allowed deductions
- $1,500.00
Of $1,650.00 claimed.
- Refund due
- $500.00
Interest $0.00.
The draft statement for this example
DRAFT ITEMIZED STATEMENT OF SECURITY DEPOSIT Rule: Ariz. Rev. Stat. 33-1321 (Arizona) Move-out date: September 30, 2026 Security deposit held $2,000.00 Deduction: Unpaid rent -$300.00 Deduction: Carpet -$1,200.00 Total deductions -$1,500.00 Refund due to tenant $500.00 Return by Not started: see the deadline note. Notes: - Itemized under Ariz. Rev. Stat. 33-1321.
Computes and cites the published rule; it is not legal advice. You sign the statement: check the statute, your lease and any local ordinance first. Read the disclaimer.