Arizona’s rental housing market remains one of the most landlord-friendly in the nation, especially when it comes to rent increases. As of 2025, there are no statewide or local rent control laws, meaning landlords can raise the rent by any amount when a lease ends, provided they follow proper notice requirements. Here’s what tenants need to know to protect themselves and plan ahead.
No Rent Control or Caps on Increases
- Arizona has banned rent control statewide since 1981 (ARS 33-1328), and this ban prevents any city or county from enacting their own rent control ordinances.
- There are no legal limits on how much a landlord can increase the rent at the end of a lease term. Increases of 10-20% or more annually are not uncommon in hot markets like Phoenix, Tucson, and Flagstaff.
- Efforts to repeal the ban and allow local rent control have been proposed in the state legislature but have not passed as of 2025.
When and How Landlords Can Raise Rent
- Fixed-Term Leases (e.g., one-year lease): Rent cannot be increased during the lease term. Landlords must wait until the lease expires and provide any required notice before the new term begins.
- Month-to-Month Leases: Landlords must provide at least 30 days’ written notice before increasing rent.
- Week-to-Week Leases: Only a 10-day written notice is required for a rent increase.
- If the landlord fails to give the proper notice, tenants can challenge the increase or seek legal recourse.
Notice Requirements Table
| Lease Type | Minimum Notice Required for Rent Increase |
|---|---|
| Month-to-Month | 30 days (written) |
| Week-to-Week | 10 days (written) |
| Fixed-Term | Not until lease ends; notice expected |
Legal Restrictions on Rent Increases
- Landlords cannot raise rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons. Increases based on race, religion, gender, disability, or as retaliation for a tenant exercising their legal rights are prohibited under the Federal Fair Housing Act and Arizona law.
- Any rent increase must be made in good faith and in accordance with the lease agreement.
Tenant Rights and Protections
- Right to Advance Notice: Tenants must receive written notice as outlined above before any rent increase can take effect.
- Right to Stay or Move: After receiving notice, tenants may choose to accept the new rent, negotiate, or give notice to vacate the property.
- Right to Challenge Unlawful Increases: If a tenant believes a rent increase is discriminatory, retaliatory, or not properly noticed, they can seek legal assistance or file a complaint with local or state agencies.
- Eviction Protections: Refusal to accept a legal rent increase is not grounds for immediate eviction during a fixed-term lease, but a landlord may choose not to renew the lease at expiration if the tenant does not agree to the new terms.
What Tenants Should Do
- Review Your Lease: Understand the terms regarding rent increases and renewal.
- Track Notice Dates: Mark your calendar for when notice must be given and when your lease ends.
- Communicate Promptly: If you receive a rent increase notice, respond quickly—either to negotiate, accept, or plan your move.
- Know Your Rights: If you suspect a rent increase is unlawful, contact tenant advocacy groups or legal aid for guidance.
Ongoing Legislative Debate
- There is ongoing debate in Arizona about whether to allow local governments to enact rent control to address rising housing costs. However, as of 2025, no such laws are in place, and landlords retain broad discretion over rent pricing…
Arizona’s rent increase laws give landlords significant flexibility, but tenants are entitled to advance notice and protection from unfair or discriminatory practices. With no rent control in place, tenants should remain vigilant, informed, and proactive in managing their housing situation.
Sources
- https://www.doorloop.com/laws/arizona-rent-control-laws
- https://www.hemlane.com/resources/arizona-rent-control-laws/
- https://www.turbotenant.com/rental-lease-agreement/arizona/laws/rent-control/
- https://www.doorloop.com/laws/arizona-rent-increase-notice
- https://rentpost.com/resources/article/arizona-landlord-tenant-rights/
