Key Facts Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources

Pima County, AZ Rental Property Rules: Just Cause Eviction (2026)

Few Restrictions

Just cause eviction rules in Pima County, AZ — sometimes called tenant protection or "for cause" eviction ordinances — list the specific legal reasons a landlord can end a tenancy.

Verified 1 month ago|Source: Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ARS 33-1301 et seq.) →

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Key Facts

Just Cause Required: No -- not required in AZ
Termination Notice: 30 days for month-to-month
Nonpayment Notice: 5 days to pay or vacate

City-specific rules exist: Marana, Sahuarita, Oro Valley, and Tucson have their own just cause eviction rules that differ from Pima County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Summary

Arizona does not require just cause for eviction and state law preempts local just-cause eviction ordinances. Landlords in Pima County may terminate month-to-month tenancies with 30 days written notice without stating a reason. Fixed-term leases end at their expiration without cause required for non-renewal.

Full Breakdown

Under the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ARS 33-1301 et seq.), landlords are not required to provide a reason for terminating a month-to-month tenancy -- they must only give 30 days written notice. For fixed-term leases, the tenancy ends at the lease expiration date and the landlord is not obligated to renew. Arizona does not have a statewide just-cause eviction law, and state preemption prevents Pima County from adopting one locally. For-cause evictions (nonpayment, lease violations, material health/safety violations) follow specific procedures under ARS 33-1368. The landlord must serve appropriate notice (5 days for nonpayment, 10 days for lease violation with right to cure, immediate in cases of violence or drug activity). Eviction proceedings (forcible detainer actions) are filed in Pima County Justice Court. The Pima County Constables Office serves eviction notices and executes writs of restitution. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) are illegal under ARS 33-1367.

Violations & Fines

Landlords who perform illegal self-help evictions face liability for actual damages plus two months rent under ARS 33-1367. Retaliatory evictions within 6 months of a tenant complaint are prohibited under ARS 33-1381. Tenants may raise retaliation as a defense in eviction proceedings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Pima County require a reason to evict a tenant?

No. Arizona does not require just cause for ending a month-to-month tenancy. A landlord must give 30 days written notice but does not need to state a reason. Fixed-term leases simply expire at the end of the term without requiring cause for non-renewal.

What is an illegal eviction in Pima County?

Self-help evictions are illegal under ARS 33-1367. A landlord cannot change locks, remove tenant belongings, or shut off utilities to force a tenant out. All evictions must go through Pima County Justice Court via a forcible detainer action.

Pima County, AZ Rental Property Rules: Just Cause Eviction (2026)

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

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