Arizona Rent Increases: Pass-Through Costs Explained

Many Arizona renters are surprised by rent increases labelled as “pass-through costs.” As a renter, it’s important to understand when a landlord can legally raise your rent for expenses like property taxes, improvements, or utilities, and what rights you have under Arizona law.

What Are Pass-Through Costs?

Pass-through costs are expenses a landlord incurs that they may choose to share with tenants by raising the rent. Common examples include:

• Property tax increases
• Rising utility or service costs
• Significant building repairs or capital improvements

Unlike rent control states, Arizona law does not restrict the amount a landlord can increase rent or specify which pass-through costs are allowed. However, Arizona’s rental laws require proper notice and fair treatment.

When Can Landlords Raise Rent in Arizona?

In most cases, your landlord can increase rent for pass-through costs only:

• At the end of your current lease period (if you have a lease)
• With at least 30 days’ written notice before the increase takes effect for month-to-month tenants

No law in Arizona mandates a cap on rent increases—even those for pass-through costs. Still, landlords must not raise rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons, as protected under the Arizona Fair Housing Act.

Required Notice for Rent Increase

Landlords in Arizona must provide written notice before raising your rent, as specified in the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act § 33-1342:

• 30 days’ written notice for month-to-month rentals
• Changes may not take effect until the end of your current lease term for fixed-term leases

Do Landlords Have to Use a Special Form for Rent Increases?

There is no official statewide form required to notify Arizona tenants of a rent increase. However, the notice should always:

• Be in writing
• State the amount of the new rent
• Include the effective date of the increase
• Be delivered in person or by mail (email is not recognized unless both parties agree in writing)

If you have a dispute about notice or believe your rent increase is in retaliation, you can file a complaint with the court. Arizona uses an Eviction Action packet in situations involving formal disputes, but this is typically for eviction, not for challenging a rent increase.

Example Action for Challenging Improper Rent Increase:

• Communicate with your landlord in writing to discuss your concerns.
• If unresolved and you’re facing eviction, file an answer using:
• Eviction Action – Complaint Form (JP118F)

When to use it: If you are served with an eviction for failing to pay a disputed rent increase, you may respond using this form to state your reasons and ask the court for relief. The process is explained on Arizona’s official tenant resource page.

Who Oversees Landlord-Tenant Issues in Arizona?

For questions or complaints, renters can contact the Arizona Judicial Branch - local Justice Court in your county (the official tribunal handling residential tenancies in Arizona).

Key Rules for Arizona Renters Facing Pass-Through Cost Increases

• Arizona has no statewide rent control—rent increases of any amount are allowed if proper notice is given.
• Your landlord must give at least 30 days’ written notice for a rent increase on a month-to-month rental.
• Discriminatory or retaliatory rent increases are illegal.
• There is no required government form for rent increases, but eviction or dispute forms are available if necessary.

Always keep written records of any communication regarding rent and notices for your protection.

FAQs on Pass-Through Costs and Rent Increases in Arizona

1. Can my landlord increase my rent at any time in Arizona?
   Landlords can only raise rent when your lease renews or with at least 30 days’ written notice if you are month-to-month.
2. Are there limits to how much my rent can go up for pass-through costs?
   No. Arizona has no statewide cap or limit on rent or pass-through cost increases.
3. Do I have to accept rent increases during my lease term?
   No. Unless otherwise stated in your lease, rent cannot increase until your lease ends.
4. Is my landlord required to give me a special form for a rent increase?
   No special form is required, but the increase must be in writing and state the new amount and effective date.
5. Who can help me if I think a rent increase is unfair or illegal?
   Contact your local Justice Court or a certified housing counselor for assistance (see resources below).

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Arizona Judicial Branch Landlord-Tenant Disputes – Forms, guides, and resources
• Arizona Attorney General Civil Rights Division – Fair housing rights and complaints
• Arizona Department of Housing – Renters Resources
• Justice Court in your county (usually handles rent disputes and eviction complaints)

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1. Arizona Revised Statutes Title 33 – Property
2. Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act § 33-1342 — Notice Requirements
3. Arizona Judicial Branch – Landlord Tenant Resource Center
4. Arizona Fair Housing Act – Attorney General

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