Arizona renters insurance and security deposit guide

Short answer: In Arizona, renters insurance covers your belongings, liability and loss of use, which your landlord's policy doesn't. Under A.R.S. §33-1321, a landlord can't demand security, including prepaid rent, of more than one and one-half month's rent. Nonrefundable fees must be labeled in writing. After you move out and ask for your deposit, the landlord has 14 days, excluding weekends and holidays, to send an itemized list of deductions and any refund. If they don't comply, you may recover twice the amount wrongfully withheld.

This guide is general information for Arizona renters. It isn't legal advice, and local ordinances can add rules. Your lease and policy wording control.

Your landlord's policy covers the building, not your belongings or liability. A renters policy (HO-4) covers personal property, personal liability and loss of use; flood is generally excluded (see FloodSmart). Coverage basics: renters insurance. Roommates: whether renters insurance covers roommates. Liability: how much renters liability coverage you need.

Step 1: Move-in paperwork

Under A.R.S. §33-1321:

• Security, including prepaid rent, is capped at one and one-half month's rent, though you may voluntarily prepay more.
• The landlord must state in writing the purpose of any nonrefundable fee or deposit. Anything not designated nonrefundable is refundable.
• At move-in, the landlord must give you a signed lease, a move-in form to note existing damage, and written notice that you may be present at the move-out inspection. Fill in the form carefully and keep a copy.

Step 2: Getting the deposit back

• After the tenancy ends, you return possession, and you demand the deposit, the landlord has 14 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, to provide an itemized list of deductions and any amount due.
• It's mailed first-class to your last known address unless you arrange otherwise in writing.
• If you don't dispute the list within 60 days after it's mailed, it becomes final.
• If the landlord fails to comply, you may recover the money due plus damages of twice the amount wrongfully withheld.

Step 3: Monsoon and heat risks

Monsoon storms can bring wind, hail and flash flooding. A renters policy typically covers your belongings for covered wind and hail damage, but flood is generally excluded; see FloodSmart. Ask whether your policy covers food spoilage from power outages.

Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Arizona.

Frequently asked questions

Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.