In Arizona, rent increase laws are governed by the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. As of 2025, Arizona has no rent control policies, meaning there are no state-enforced limits or caps on how much a landlord can increase rent. However, landlords must adhere to specific notice requirements, and tenants have rights that protect them from discrimination or retaliation.
Key Regulations
- Notice Requirements: Arizona law requires landlords to provide written notice before raising rent. For month-to-month leases, a 30-day written notice is required. For week-to-week leases, the notice period is 10 days. Rent increases cannot occur during an active lease unless the lease agreement stipulates otherwise. The notice must clearly state the new rent amount and the date it will take effect.
- No Rent Control: Arizona law prohibits rent control at the local level. Landlords have the freedom to set rent amounts without statewide limits when leases are renewed.
- Reasonable Rent Increases: While there are no specific limits on how much a landlord can raise rent, the proposed rent must be reasonable and reflect the value of similar rental properties in the area.
- Discrimination and Retaliation: Rent increases cannot be for discriminatory reasons, such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, familial status, or handicap. It is also illegal for a landlord to raise rent in retaliation for a tenant exercising a legal right, such as complaining about unsafe living conditions.
- Lease Agreements: For tenants with fixed-term leases (e.g., yearly), landlords can only increase the rent once the lease term ends, unless the rental agreement specifies otherwise. The lease terms determine the conditions under which a rent increase can occur, and landlords must comply with any clauses related to rent changes specified in the lease.
- Rental Tax Ban: Beginning January 1, 2025, Arizona property owners will no longer collect the residential rental tax, a type of transaction privilege tax (TPT), from renters. Landlords are required to lower rent bills by the amount of the repealed tax. The average residential rental tax rate is 2.5%.
Tenant Rights and Recourse
Tenants have the right to challenge rent increases they believe are illegal. The Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act provides a framework for dispute resolution. If a tenant faces a rent increase for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons, they may seek legal help.
Recommendations for Tenants
- If a tenant believes a rent increase is illegal, they should seek legal advice.
- Review the lease agreement to understand the terms and conditions related to rent adjustments.
- Ensure the landlord provides adequate written notice before increasing rent.
- Familiarize themselves with the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act to protect their rights.
- Document all communications with the landlord regarding rent increases.
Sources:
[1] https://www.steadily.com/blog/how-much-can-a-landlord-raise-rent-in-arizona
[2] https://www.steadily.com/blog/rent-increase-laws-regulations-phoenix-az
[3] https://www.kiplinger.com/taxes/arizona-rental-tax-repeal-in-2025-what-to-know
