Arizona Lease Agreement

An Arizona lease agreement is a written contract between a landlord (or property manager) and a tenant that outlines the key details of a rental arrangement — including rent amount, lease duration, maintenance responsibilities, and both parties’ rights and obligations.

To be legally valid, the lease must follow Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ARS Title 33, Chapter 10). This law protects both landlords and tenants by setting clear rules for rent payments, deposits, repairs, and notice periods.

Landlords and property managers in Arizona commonly use a few different types of leases:

• Fixed-Term Lease: Runs for a specific period (for example, 12 months). Rent and terms stay the same until the lease ends.
• Month-to-Month Rental Agreement: Automatically renews every month until either party gives at least 30 days’ written notice to end it (ARS. §33-1375).
• Sublease Agreement: Allows an existing tenant to rent out the property to another person (a “subtenant”) — but only with the landlord’s written approval.
• Commercial Lease: Used for business or retail spaces like offices, stores, or warehouses. These are not covered by the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.

To make an Arizona lease agreement legally compliant, be sure to include the following details:

• Tenant and Landlord Names: Full legal names of everyone involved.
• Property Address: Full legal address and unit details.
• Lease Term: Start and end dates, along with renewal or termination terms.
• Rent Details: Monthly rent amount, due date, payment methods, and late fee policy..
• Property Address: Full legal address and unit details.
• Security Deposit Terms: Deposit amount, refund policy, deductions,
  • Arizona caps deposits at 1.5 months’ rent and must return within 14 days of move-out (A.R.S. §33-1321).
• Required Disclosures:
  • Lead-based paint disclosures (for properties built before 1978)
  • Landlord or Manager disclose: The lease must clearly identify the property owner or management company and provide their contact information. This helps tenants know who to reach out to for repairs, maintenance, or emergencies. (A.R.S. §33-1322).
  • Non-refundable fees: Any non-refundable fees—such as cleaning or pet fees—must be labeled in writing as “non-refundable.” Otherwise, Arizona law assumes all fees are refundable. (A.R.S. §33-1321(B)).

The main difference is the duration, flexibility, and legal obligations under Arizona law:

• Lease Agreement: Usually covers a fixed term (for example, one year). Rent and terms can’t change until the lease ends, unless both sides agree in writing.
• Rental Agreement: Typically runs month-to-month and renews automatically. Either party can end it with 30 days’ written notice, and landlords can adjust terms for the next month if they give proper notice (A.R.S. §33-1375)

Not during a fixed-term lease. Arizona law doesn’t allow landlords to raise rent mid-lease unless the tenant agrees in writing or the lease specifically allows for a rent adjustment clause.

For month-to-month rentals, landlords may raise rent but must give at least 30 days’ written notice before the increase takes effect. Alabama does not limit the percentage of the increase—it simply requires proper notice (A.R.S. §33-1375 and § 33-1381 ).

If a tenant ends a lease before it expires, they’re typically responsible for paying rent for the rest of the term—unless the landlord re-rents the unit quickly.

Under Arizona Revised Statutes §33-1370, landlords have a legal duty to mitigate damages if a tenant breaks the lease early. The landlord must reasonable efforts to find a new tenant and re-rent the property as quickly as possible to reduce financial losses

• Fixed-Term Lease: Ends automatically on the stated end date unless both parties agree to renew. Renewals should always be done in writing, either through a new lease or a signed addendum. If the tenant stays beyond the term and the landlord accepts rent, it typically converts to a month-to-month lease under A.R.S. § 33-1375(C).
• Month-to-Month Lease: Automatically renews each month until someone gives proper notice. Either landlord or tenant can end the agreement with 30 days’ written notice before the next rental period begins (A.R.S. § 33-1375(B)).

Yes — but only if both the landlord and tenant agree in writing.

Any change—such as an updated rent amount, new tenant, pet policy, or extended lease term—must be documented in a written lease addendum and signed by both parties to be legally enforceable.