Hi renters,

Welcome to Rent Check PHX. In today’s issue we’re talking about a Tempe renter who successfully sued her landlord over her security deposit.

I’ll be honest—there have been times in previous renting situations where I considered taking legal action, but I wrote it off as too complicated or expensive.

Talking to this renter really opened my eyes to how simple the process can be in situations like hers. I hope you enjoy the story and learn something new about tenants’ rights!

I’ll be back in your inbox next Wednesday, June 10. If you know a renter who may benefit from this newsletter, please send it their way!

Jessica Swarner

Newsletter Editor, Rent Check PHX

*Paywalled content noted with 🔒

⬇️ Nearly a third of Phoenix housing listings dropped their price in April, according to a Realtor.com report. (Phoenix Business Journal, 🔒)

🔑 Phoenix home prices are still up a little year-over-year, though—and up 67% from 2019. (The Copper Courier)

🔨 With the current pace of growth and permits, it would take Maricopa County 262 years to close its housing gap. (Phoenix New Times)

🏠 This Phoenix suburb was ranked as the No. 1 most affordable midsize city for US homebuyers. (Phoenix New Times)

💰 A report found that private equity firms own nearly 1 in 4 apartment complexes in Arizona, for a total of 378. (Arizona Mirror)

🚗 In case you’ve ever wondered if it’s legal to sleep in your car in Arizona, here’s what the law says. (The Copper Courier)

🚽 Here are 60 storage and design tips for making a bathroom feel bigger than it is. (Apartment Therapy)

How a Tempe renter sued her landlord over her security deposit—and won

graphic of woman's face surrounded by dollars, scales, a house, a gavel, a lease agreement, and a law book

(Luis Castaneda/COURIER, photo courtesy of Joley Hamilton)

In February, Joley Hamilton was preparing to move out of the Tempe apartment she’d lived in since March 2025.

As part of the process, she completed a move-out inspection with her landlord. Hamilton, 29, said he didn’t raise any concerns, so she was surprised when she received an email saying only $495 of the $1,595 deposit would be returned.

Instead of accepting the loss, Hamilton pushed back against her landlord and eventually filed a claim—and she won back even more than what she was originally owed.

The process, she says, was easier than she expected. Here’s how she did it.

Read the full story

🏠 If you want the feel of an apartment with no shared walls: This two-bed, one-bath near 12th Street and Thomas Road is a 946-square-foot single-family home. It is furnished and has in-unit laundry and a private patio. It’s available now and listed for $2,799 a month. Pets are not allowed, although the listing mentions that that’s negotiable.

🧑‍🍳 If you want a dreamy kitchen for under $3K: This 1,574-square-foot home has a gorgeous kitchen with wooden cabinets, tiled backsplash, and an island/bar that offers lots of counter space. Other cool features include a front office with private entrance, fenced-in backyard, and a tub with stylish tiling. The three-bed, two-bath near Indian School Road and Seventh Street (in the Idlewilde neighborhood) is listed for $2,900 a month. It’s available now, and pets are allowed.

👙 If you want to swim all summer long for under $2K: This 1,085-square-foot home near 31st Avenue and Union Hills Drive has a backyard pool and covered patio. The three-bed, two-bath also has a two-car garage with storage cabinets and a walk-in closet. It’s available now for $1,895 a month, and pets are allowed.

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 June 2. 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!

I’ve featured a few neighborhood groups in Rent Check PHX, so I wanted to create a space where I can list their events—and more.

This space will be for events that are focused on connecting with community and spending time with neighbors. If you have an event you’d like to submit, reply to this email or email me!

Here’s what’s coming up:

Downtown Core Neighborhood Weekly Hang

When: Every Friday, 7-9 a.m.

Where: Cactus Cloud Cafe in downtown Phoenix

“The best way to build a neighborhood is by having a third space like @cactuscloudcafe to meet at weekly! Join us every Friday from 7AM to 9AM, before the workday begins, even if it’s just to stop by and say hi to neighbors. No pressure if you can’t make it!”

Garfield Neighborhood Coffee Social

When: June 6, 8-10 a.m.

Where: Garfield Neighborhood Garden in downtown Phoenix

“Come stop by to meet a neighbor and buy a coffee. Bloom Coffee Roasters will have $5 cold brews available or BYOB.”

Phoenix DCC Churn Up!

When: June 14, 11:45 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“Learn how to ride the bus with DCC! Meet at Central Station (between first ave and central ave at polk street) at 11:45 AM. We will catch the northbound Route 0 bus at 11:55 AM and take it up to Central Ave and Colter St to Churn Ice Cream! We can take the bus back downtown or walk a quarter mile to the Central and Camelback light rail station.”

Submit a neighborhood event