Hi renters,

Welcome to Rent Check PHX. In today’s issue, we’re talking about security deposits—and, most importantly, how to get them back when you move.

We also look at notable rentals, and the typical age of a first-time homebuyer—the number may shock you.

The next edition of this newsletter will be in your inbox on Dec. 17. Hope you enjoy!

P.S. If you know any renters in Phoenix who might be interested in this newsletter, please forward it their way!

Jessica Swarner

Newsletter Editor, Rent Check PHX

9 tips for Phoenix renters on getting your security deposit back

woman cleaning her countertop with a cloth

The less work the landlord has to do to make the space ready for the next tenant, the more likely you are to get your deposit back. (Studio Romantic/Shutterstock)

Moving into a new place in Phoenix—or anywhere, really—has a lot of upfront costs, from application fees to nonrefundable pet deposits. There’s also that pesky security deposit that dips into your savings.

Ideally, you’d use the money from your previous security deposit to pay for the next one … right? But if you have experience renting, you probably already know—sometimes getting that refund back feels like pulling teeth.

Here’s what to know about security deposits in Phoenix, and some tips for making sure you get yours back.

Law on security deposits

A security deposit is an amount of money landlords ask for when you sign a new lease to cover potential damage to the property they own or unpaid costs. In Arizona, a security deposit can be no more than 1.5 times the monthly rent.

Unless otherwise specified, landlords are expected to return the deposit at the end of your lease. Landlords can require nonrefundable deposits, usually related to pets or cleaning, but they must specify in the lease that you won’t get those back.

Read the full story

💰 If you’re looking below $1,000 a month: This 500-square-foot studio off of 15th Avenue and Monroe Street fits the bill at $975 a month. The studio is one of three units in a remodeled 1920s carriage house.

💸 If you want rent that’s less than your square footage: This 1,868-square-foot house in Laveen is going for $1,695 a month. The three-bed, two-bath has new carpets, a double vanity, a garden tub, and a two-car garage. Cats and dogs are allowed.

☕️ If you like your coffee on a balcony: I don’t see many homes in Phoenix with balconies, so this stood out to me. This 1,915-square-foot, two-story home off Chandler Boulevard and Desert Hills Parkway is listed for $3,000 a month. The three-bed, 2.5-bath was built in 1992, has a fireplace, and allows cats and dogs.

😎 If you want a home that screams “cool”: This 1,467-square-foot home off of 16th Street and Bethany Home Road has some serious style, something you often don’t get in rentals. From the black and green walls to the tiled stove hood, there is a lot to look at here. The two-bed, two-bath is listed for $2,999 a month.

If you come across any interesting, weird, or surprisingly affordable listings that you think should be featured here, please send them my way!

Email here

Listings available as of Dec. 3. I’m not paid to share these listings, but that doesn’t mean I can personally vouch for them. Please do your research before applying and signing a lease!

This is The Tenant’s Voice, a place where we can share our renting frustrations, helpful tips, and pressing questions.

When it comes to security deposits, I’ve been pretty lucky in my renting experience. I’ve never had to battle too hard to get one back, and if I did get any deductions, they were minor.

I hope that luck continues for me! But I also know I’m very good at cleaning, so maybe my thoroughness has benefited me here.

I’d love to know: Do you have any tips for getting your full deposit back?

Or, if you’ve been in this situation, do you have any tips for fighting back against deductions you thought were unfair?

Let me know, and I’ll include some responses in the next edition!

Email here

The landscape for local news is shifting fast. At The Copper Courier, our commitment to you—and to Arizona—hasn’t changed.

To keep this work strong, we’re working toward a $4,500 goal by Dec. 16 as part of our end-of-year fundraising campaign.

Your support helps us shine a light on the decisions, debates, and leaders shaping Arizona’s future. We can’t do this work without you.

Chip in today

💰 Tucson is asking the Arizona Legislature for the ability to make its own decisions on rent control. Right now, rent control is banned at the state level. (Arizona Luminaria)

🏠 The age of a typical first-time homebuyer has climbed to 40—and they only make up 21% of the market, the lowest share since 1981. (Arizona’s Family)

📉 Nearly 90% of homes in the Phoenix metro declined in value over the past year, one of the highest percentages in the country. (Phoenix New Times)

💸 More Arizonans are reporting their rent payments to credit agencies to build credit and get better interest rates. (Axios Phoenix)

📄 Received a scary note from your landlord? Here’s what to know about notice periods for evictions in Phoenix and the rest of the state. (The Copper Courier)

🎄 Want a Christmas tree but don’t have much space? Here are 14 ideas for fitting one in your apartment. (Apartment Therapy)