The Phoenix security deposit demand letter that gets deposits back.
Your Phoenix landlord must act within 14 business days — excluding weekends and holidays — after termination of the tenancy, delivery of possession, and demand by the tenant under Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 33-1321. If they missed it, the statute is written on your side. We cite the statute, mail your demand USPS Certified, and track the response.
The law that protects your deposit
Deposits in Phoenix are governed by Arizona state law: Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 33-1321. Wrongful retention can make the landlord liable for up to twice the amount wrongfully withheld. Full Arizona deadline & penalty guide →
If the landlord ignores your letter
Deposit claims from Phoenix are typically filed in the small-claims court serving Maricopa County — designed for people without lawyers, with modest filing fees.
Phoenix at a glance
Population ~1,651,000 (U.S. Census 2024 estimate, rounded). Every deposit dispute here runs on the same clock: the 14-day statutory window — and a certified letter is the documented first step.
General legal information, not legal advice. City-specific ordinances change; verify current rules or consult a licensed Arizona attorney.