The statute includes prepaid rent in the limit, while allowing a tenant to voluntarily pay more rent in advance.
Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays are excluded; the statute also requires termination, delivery of possession and tenant demand.
The landlord must give written notice of this right and, on request, tell the tenant when the inspection will occur, subject to a narrow safety exception.
Failure to dispute mailed deductions or the amount due within the statutory period can waive further claims.
What may be applied against the deposit
At termination, prepaid rent and security may be applied to unpaid rent, qualifying charges stated in the signed lease or permitted by the chapter, and damages resulting from tenant noncompliance with A.R.S. § 33-1341, subject to the landlord’s duty to mitigate.
What to keep after move-out
- Proof of when the tenancy ended and when possession was delivered, including key-return evidence.
- A copy of any demand for return of the security deposit.
- The landlord’s itemized deduction list and envelope or mailing evidence.
- Move-in and move-out condition records, invoices, receipts and photographs.
If the landlord does not comply
Section 33-1321 provides a statutory remedy that can include the property and money due plus damages equal to twice the amount wrongfully withheld. Whether that remedy applies in a specific dispute depends on the facts and procedural posture.
Official sources
Primary statute for deposit limits, nonrefundable-fee disclosures, move-out inspections, deductions, the refund/itemization timeline and remedies.
Arizona State LegislatureArizona Revised Statutes § 33-1341 — Tenant to maintain dwelling unit ↗Primary statute describing tenant maintenance duties and responsibility for deliberate or negligent damage.
Arizona Attorney GeneralArizona Tenants’ Rights & Responsibilities Handbook ↗Official consumer handbook summarizing deposits, leases, moving out and tenant responsibilities.