How long does a Arizona landlord have to return a security deposit?

Conditions that change the deadline

• The 14 business days run from the later of the end of the tenancy, the tenant handing back possession, and the tenant's demand for the deposit; the tenant should demand the deposit in writing.
• Unless the tenant arranges otherwise in writing, the landlord mails the list and any refund by first class mail to the tenant's last known place of residence, so the tenant should give a forwarding address.

What Arizona law says about deductions and your rights

• Business days exclude weekends; public holidays may add extra days.
• Important: if the tenant does not dispute the landlord's itemized list within 60 days after it is mailed, the amounts on the list become final and further claims are waived.
• The landlord may deduct unpaid rent, charges listed in the signed lease, and damage caused by the tenant's failure to meet tenant duties.
• Security deposits (including prepaid rent) may not exceed one and one-half month's rent, and any fee or deposit not stated in writing to be nonrefundable is refundable.
• The tenant has a right to be told in writing at move-in that they may attend the move-out inspection.

If the deadline has passed

Send a written demand letter. State the dates and amounts, the law and the deadline, and a date by which you expect payment. Keep proof that you sent it.

If they still don't pay, you can file in small claims court. The limit in Arizona is $5,000 in the small claims division of the justice court, not counting interest and costs, and the filing fee is About $30 to file in most justice courts (a $25 statutory fee plus local surcharges), plus a fee for service.