Housing assistance in Arizona

Where to apply for rental assistance and vouchers

Section 8 vouchers and public housing are run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). Each keeps its own waiting list, so apply to every agency serving places you could live. The state housing finance agency funds affordable apartments and homebuyer programs but usually does not take voucher applications.

Ask each agency: Is the waiting list open? How do I apply, and how will you contact me? Never pay to apply or to move up a list. See how to apply for Section 8 and how waiting lists work.

Programs and free legal help in Arizona

Key tenant laws in Arizona

Statewide rules for most private rentals. Cities, counties, subsidized housing, and your lease can add protections, and some rules have exceptions. Read the linked law before relying on a deadline.

Security deposit limit

Security deposit plus prepaid rent can total no more than 1.5 months' rent, but a tenant may choose to prepay more rent. Any fee or deposit not stated in writing as nonrefundable must be refunded.

A.R.S. § 33-1321(A)-(B)

Deposit return deadline

Within 14 days (not counting weekends or legal holidays) after the tenancy ends, the tenant moves out and the tenant asks for the deposit, the landlord must mail an itemized list of deductions and any refund. A landlord who does not comply can owe the amount due plus damages of twice the amount wrongfully withheld. A tenant who does not dispute the list within 60 days waives further claims.

A.R.S. § 33-1321(D)-(E)

Notice before an eviction for unpaid rent

5 days' written notice to pay or the lease will be terminated. Before an eviction (special detainer) case is filed, the lease is reinstated if the tenant pays all past-due rent plus a reasonable late fee set out in a written lease. After filing, the tenant must also pay attorney fees and court costs. Tenants may not withhold rent for reasons the law does not allow.

A.R.S. § 33-1368(B)

Landlord entry notice

At least 2 days' notice, with entry only at reasonable times, except in an emergency or when notice is impracticable. A tenant's repair or maintenance request counts as permission to enter for that repair.

A.R.S. § 33-1343

Rent increases and rent control

State law preempts local rent control, so cities and towns (including charter cities) cannot control rents on private residential property. This does not apply to housing owned, financed, insured or subsidized by a state agency, city or town.

A.R.S. § 33-1329

If the landlord won’t make repairs

For habitability defects that cost less than $300 or half a month's rent (whichever is greater) to fix, the tenant may give written notice. If the landlord does not fix the problem within 10 days, the tenant may have a licensed contractor do the work and deduct the cost from rent after giving the landlord an itemized statement and lien waiver. If the landlord fails to supply water, gas, electricity, heat, cooling or other essential services, the tenant may give notice and then buy the service and deduct it, recover damages, or move to substitute housing.

A.R.S. §§ 33-1363, 33-1364

This is general information, not legal advice. If you have a notice or court papers, contact legal aid right away. See facing eviction, security deposit rights, and repairs and habitability.

Phone lines that serve Arizona

• Shelter, rent help, and local services211
• HUD-approved housing counseling800-569-4287
• Housing discrimination complaints (HUD)800-669-9777
• Energy assistance referral (LIHEAP)866-674-6327
• Veterans at risk of homelessness877-424-3838
• Domestic violence hotline800-799-7233

More local contacts: HUD’s Arizona resource page.

Next steps

1. Urgent? If you need shelter tonight or have an eviction court date, start with urgent housing help.
2. Behind on rent: call 211 and apply to several programs at once. Use our payment plan letter to propose terms to your landlord in writing.
3. Long-term help: apply to every housing agency above, plus income-restricted apartments. Gather your documents first.
4. Check affordability: use the rent affordability calculator or the Section 8 rent calculator.

Sources

Checked October 10, 2026. Laws, programs, and agency websites change; confirm details with the agency or court before relying on them. Report a correction.

1. A.R.S. § 33-1321 Security depositsArizona State Legislature
2. A.R.S. § 33-1368 Noncompliance by tenant; failure to pay rentArizona State Legislature
3. A.R.S. § 33-1343 AccessArizona State Legislature
4. A.R.S. § 33-1329 Regulation of rents; authorityArizona State Legislature
5. A.R.S. § 33-1363 Self-help for minor defectsArizona State Legislature
6. A.R.S. § 33-1364 Wrongful failure to supply essential servicesArizona State Legislature
7. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (Internet Archive snapshot, Sept. 21, 2026)Arizona Department of Economic Security
8. Short-Term Crisis Services (Internet Archive snapshot, Feb. 26, 2026)Arizona Department of Economic Security
9. Arizona Rental Assistance Program (ended; Internet Archive snapshot, Aug. 15, 2026)Arizona Department of Economic Security
10. AZLawHelp.orgArizona Bar Foundation
11. Housing DepartmentCity of Phoenix
12. Housing Authority of Maricopa CountyHousing Authority of Maricopa County
13. Housing and Community DevelopmentCity of Tucson