Arizona rent increase law

The Act has no separate rent-increase notice provision or general increase cap. During a fixed term, use the rent terms in the lease. For a proposed change to a monthly tenancy, review the agreement and the written termination procedure in A.R.S. 33-1375(B), which requires at least 30 days before the periodic rental date named in the notice. Do not treat the absence of a standalone increase section as permission to impose a change immediately.

A.R.S. title 33, chapter 10 A.R.S. § 33-1375(B)

• Cities and towns may not control rents on private residential property. A.R.S. § 33-1329(A) See Rent control and local rules on the Arizona page
• You may not raise rent in retaliation for a protected complaint or for joining a tenants' union. A.R.S. § 33-1381(A) See Retaliation on the Arizona page
• A new rule adopted after the lease is signed binds the tenant only after 30 days' notice and only if it does not substantially modify the lease. A.R.S. § 33-1342(B)
• Keep the exact notice and proof of delivery. A.R.S. 33-1313(B) addresses hand delivery and registered or certified mail to the tenant’s designated notice address or, absent one, last known residence. For registered or certified mail, receipt is the earlier of actual receipt or five days after mailing. Work from the applicable receipt date when planning the notice period; a mailing date, text, portal alert or email alone does not establish that every service requirement was met. A.R.S. 33-1313(B)
• Confirm which housing law and program governs the rental before using a general notice. Arizona’s courts distinguish ordinary rental units, public housing and tenant-owned mobile homes. The local rent-control preemption also has an express exception for residential property owned, financed, insured or subsidized by a state agency, city or town; it does not remove every program restriction. Arizona courts: which housing law applies A.R.S. 33-1329(B)

The state preempts rent control: cities, including charter cities, and towns may not control rents on private residential property. The ban does not reach property owned, financed, insured or subsidized by a state agency, city or town.

A.R.S. § 33-1329

• Owners must record each rental with the county assessor, and cities and towns may impose civil penalties for failing to. A.R.S. § 33-1902 See Rental registration with the county assessor on the Arizona page

You may not raise rent, cut services, or bring or threaten an action for possession because the tenant complained to a code enforcement agency about a health and safety violation, complained to you about a failure to keep the home fit, organized or joined a tenants' union, or complained to a government agency enforcing the wage-price stabilization act.

A.R.S. § 33-1381(A)

• A complaint within six months before the alleged retaliation creates a presumption of retaliation, unless the tenant complained after receiving a termination notice. A.R.S. § 33-1381(B)
• The tenant has a defense to eviction and may recover possession or end the lease and recover up to two months' rent or twice actual damages, whichever is greater. A.R.S. § 33-1381(B) A.R.S. § 33-1367
• You may still sue for possession if the tenant is in default in rent or the code violation was caused mainly by the tenant's household or guests. A.R.S. § 33-1381(C)