Federal law mandates all Rental and Lease Agreements incorporate the following elements:
- The identifying information of both parties,
- The address and legal description of the property,
- Whether pets are allowed and any pet conditions,
- Disclosures and information about safety hazards or health risks,
- Rent details, such as the amount due, the amount of the security deposit, and the payment methods accepted.
States do retain autonomy from the federal government and will often differ in various aspects of the rental and leasing process. It is important to become familiar with the specific leasing requirements in Arizona. Understanding the differences will allow you to create a comprehensive and thorough lease agreement, saving you the hassle and legal and financial issues in the future.
Other Arizona Real Estate documents you might be interested in are:
- Sublease Agreement – Used by a tenant to rent out all or part of their rented property to a new tenant.
- Eviction Notice – Used by a landlord to start the eviction process with a current tenant.
1. Arizona Residential Lease Agreement Sample
The sample lease agreement below describes a contract between “Landlord” Kevin Lee and “Tenant” Olivia Graham. She agrees to rent a duplex in Columbia for $1,000 per month for a fixed term. The tenant agrees to pay for all utilities and services for the Premises. This is a good example of what provisions a simple lease agreement might contain, and how one should look in its final form.
2. Arizona Landlord and Tenant Laws
Arizona imposes specific and distinct requirements for landlords and tenants when executing a Lease or Rental Agreement. For example, Arizona Statute provides for the following:
Security Deposit
- Arizona landlords may request up to one and one-half month’s rent for a security deposit, along with prepaid rent. Tenants may still voluntarily pay more than one and one-half month’s rent in advance. (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 33-1321(A))
Landlord Right of Entry
- Arizona landlords are required to provide tenants with two days’ notice before entering the premises. (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 33-1343(D))
- Landlords have no other right of access to the premises except by court order. (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 33-1343(E))
Additionally, Arizona law requires:
Holdover Tenants
- If an Arizona tenant remains in possession of the premises after the termination or expiration of the lease, and without the landlord’s consent, a landlord may bring an action to repossess the premises and recover up to two months’ rent or twice the actual damages sustained. (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 33-1375(C))