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Tucson, AZ Rental Property Rules: Security Deposit Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Deposit cap
1.5 months' rent
Return deadline
14 business days
Itemization
Required
Wrongful withholding
2x damages

Summary

Tucson tenants benefit from ARS 33-1321, which caps a residential security deposit at 1.5 times the monthly rent and requires landlords to return the deposit, with itemized deductions, within 14 business days of move-out.

33-1321. Security deposits. A. A landlord shall not demand or receive security, however denominated, including prepaid rent in an amount or value of more than one and one-half month's rent. This subsection does not prohibit a tenant from voluntarily paying more than one and one-half month's rent in advance. B. The purpose of all nonrefundable fees or deposits shall be stated in writing by the landlord. Any fee or deposit not designated as nonrefundable is refundable. C. On move in, a landlord shall furnish the tenant with a signed copy of the lease, a move-in form for specifying any existing damages to the dwelling unit and written notification to the tenant that the tenant may be present at the move-out inspection. [...] D. On termination of the tenancy, property or money held by the landlord as prepaid rent and security may be applied to the payment of all rent, and subject to a landlord's duty to mitigate, all charges as specified in the signed lease agreement, or as provided in this chapter, including the amount of damages which the landlord has suffered by reason of the tenant's noncompliance with section 33-1341. 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. [...] E. If the landlord fails to comply with subsection D of this section, the tenant may recover the property and money due the tenant together with damages in an amount equal to twice the amount wrongfully withheld.

Full Breakdown

Arizona's URLTA, codified at ARS 33-1321, limits residential security deposits to one and one-half months' rent unless the tenant agrees in writing to a higher amount, which Tucson cannot waive or expand. Landlords must provide a written move-in form on request and return the deposit minus an itemized statement of deductions within 14 business days of the tenant's move-out and forwarding-address notice. Wrongfully withheld deposits expose the landlord to twice the amount wrongfully withheld plus court costs and attorney fees. Tucson's residential rental registration program at Chapter 16 Article XV reinforces these protections through inspection authority but does not modify the dollar limits.

Violations & Fines

Wrongful withholding lets a tenant sue in Pima County Justice Court for double the wrongfully withheld portion plus reasonable attorney fees under ARS 33-1321(D).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Tucson landlord ask for first, last, and a deposit?
Only if the combined non-rent deposit total stays at or below 1.5 months. Last month's rent counts as a deposit for the cap calculation under ARS 33-1321.
What if my landlord misses the 14-day return?
You can sue under ARS 33-1321(D) for the wrongfully withheld amount, double damages on that portion, and attorney fees, typically filed in Pima County Justice Court.

Sources & Official References

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