[VIDEO] FAQ: How Long Do I Have to Determine a Tenant’s Security Deposit Disposition?
December 11, 2017
Landlords have many responsibilities under the law, one of the most of important of which is collecting and returning security deposits.
Security deposits help ensure that rental properties are left in good condition and that landlords receive all payments they’re owed before a tenant vacates a property. If a tenant damages property or owes rent, a landlord can use the security deposit to cover those expenses.
Arizona Security Deposit Laws
Under Arizona landlord-tenant laws, a landlord may charge a tenant the equivalent of one and one-half months’ rent for the security deposit. Landlords must return a tenant’s security deposit, with an itemized statement of deductions, within 14 days after the tenant has moved out. The tenant has the right to be present at the final inspection.
Important: Security deposits are not the same as rent. A security deposit is money that actually belongs to the tenant, but is held by the landlord in case of tenant-caused damage to rental property (and sometimes past-due rent).
