A Phoenix lease agreement is a legal document outlining the terms and conditions between a landlord and tenant for a rental property. It includes details such as the duration, rent amount, security deposit, responsibilities of both parties, rules regarding property use, and provisions for any potential disputes or lease termination.
Phoenix Lease Requirements
In Phoenix, landlords must adhere to the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Title 33, Chapter 10), which sets the standard for residential tenancies. However, there are additional regulations and local considerations beyond state requirements.
Rental Property Registration
Property owners must update the County Assessor within ten days of any changes to their contact information, property details, or building construction year. Failure to comply may result in tenants issuing a 10-day notice to terminate the tenancy, with the property owner required to refund prepaid rent if the information isn’t updated within the specified timeframe (Phoenix Municipal Code Sec. 39-48).
Source of Income Ordinance
The City Council passed an ordinance in March 2023 prohibiting discrimination in property sales or rentals based on a person’s income source. Code violators may face penalties of up to $2,500 (Phoenix Municipal Code Sec. 18-11.16).
Optional Lease Disclosures and Addendums
Although not required, landlords have the flexibility to add specific disclosures into their lease agreements to address potential liability issues:
- Pet disclosure: Given Phoenix’s reputation as a pet-friendly city, landlords should clearly communicate the property’s pet policies. This disclosure should specify whether pets are permitted, the tenant’s obligations regarding pet-related damages, and any associated fees or restrictions.
- Medical marijuana use disclosure: Since medical marijuana use is legal in Phoenix, it’s essential to clarify whether it will be allowed on the property. State law permits landlords to restrict marijuana usage to non-smoking methods exclusively. Additionally, it’s important to specify if there are designated smoking areas on the premises.
- Pest control disclosure: Due to the prevalence of rats in Arizona, it is advisable to include a pest control disclosure. This should define the tenants’ responsibilities regarding pest prevention, such as promptly reporting any signs of pests to the management.
