What makes housing legally "senior housing" in Arizona?

Housing must be designated for seniors and occupied primarily by people 55+ or 62+ to qualify for age-related legal protections.

Can a landlord evict me for needing a medical modification?

No. Landlords cannot evict you for requesting a reasonable accommodation, such as a grab bar or wheelchair ramp.

How do I report discrimination in a senior apartment complex?

Use the Arizona Fair Housing Complaint Form and submit it to the Arizona Attorney General’s Civil Rights Division.

Are senior renters protected from sudden rent increases?

Yes. Landlords must give proper written notice, typically at least 30 days, before raising rent for senior housing.

Which tribunal handles eviction disputes in Arizona?

Arizona Justice Courts handle eviction and rental disputes concerning all types of residential tenancies.

Arizona Senior Housing: Laws & Renter Protections Explained

Special Housing Types & Situations Arizona published June 21, 2025

Arizona provides important legal protections for seniors renting specialized senior housing communities or age-restricted apartments. If you’re a renter over the age of 55, or live with a senior family member, knowing your rights helps you stay safe, shielded from discrimination, and able to address rent, eviction, and maintenance concerns with confidence. This guide explains Arizona senior housing legal protections, relevant forms, and the official avenues for help.

What Qualifies as Senior Housing in Arizona?

In Arizona, "senior housing" usually refers to apartment complexes, mobile home parks, or communities where at least one resident is 55 or older, or that are designated 62+. These housing types are often protected under both federal and state law, including the Federal Fair Housing Act and Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 41, Chapter 9 on housing discrimination protections.¹

Key Laws Protecting Senior Renters

Federal Fair Housing Act: Protects seniors from discrimination based on age, disability, race, religion, and more in most rental scenarios.
Arizona Fair Housing Act (ARS §41-1491): Extends those protections to cover state-specific needs, including age-related and disability accommodations in rentals.
Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ARS §33-1301 through §33-1381): Covers maintenance, rent increases, lawful evictions, and landlord obligations for all renters, including those in senior-designated housing.

Senior renters are protected from unfair refusal to rent, sudden eviction (unless legally justified), or denial of reasonable accommodations.

Reasonable Accommodations for Seniors

As a senior or family member of a senior, you can request reasonable accommodations or modifications if you have a disability or health-related needs. These could include grab bars, wheelchair access, or service animal allowances. Landlords may not legally deny reasonable requests without a justifiable reason.

How to Request an Accommodation

Arizona Fair Housing Disability Accommodation Request Form: Use this form to formally submit your request to your landlord or property manager (Official Request Form PDF). It helps document your need and the landlord’s response.
Example: If you need a ramp instead of stairs, fill out the form and provide it directly to your landlord, keeping a copy for your records.

How Senior Housing Rent and Evictions Are Regulated

Senior renters are generally subject to the same rules as other tenants under the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, but with some added protections:

Notice Requirements: Your landlord must provide written notice before increasing rent or asking you to move out. For month-to-month renters, that’s generally 30 days.
Evictions: Landlords must have a legal reason (such as non-payment or lease violation), and most senior renters are entitled to court process and notice. All eviction procedures are handled through the Arizona Justice Court system.
Exemptions: Senior living communities may have some specific rules, but those cannot violate state or federal housing laws.

Where to File Housing Complaints

If you experience discrimination or your accommodation request is denied, you can file a complaint with:

Arizona Attorney General’s Office Civil Rights Division – handles housing discrimination and retaliation complaints
Arizona Justice Courts – the tribunal overseeing landlord/tenant disputes and eviction hearings

Important Official Forms for Senior Renters

Arizona Fair Housing Disability Accommodation Request Form
Use to ask for a change or addition to your rental needed for medical or disability reasons.
Arizona Official Form PDF
How to use: Complete and submit to your landlord/property manager. Example: You need permission for a service animal in a “no pets” senior apartment.
Arizona Residential Landlord/Tenant Complaint Form (Attorney General’s Office)
For reporting discrimination or violations of landlord/tenant law.
Official Complaint Form PDF
How to use: If your landlord doesn’t respond to requests or you suspect discriminatory behavior, complete and file this with the Civil Rights Division.

Your Rights: Summary for Arizona Senior Renters

Both Arizona state law and federal law provide strong renter protections in senior housing. If you feel these rights aren't being respected, there are official steps and government agencies available to help.

FAQs: Senior Housing Protections in Arizona

What makes housing legally "senior housing" in Arizona?
Housing must be designated for seniors and occupied primarily by people 55+ or 62+ to qualify for age-related legal protections.
Can a landlord evict me for needing a medical modification?
No. If you request a reasonable accommodation (like a grab bar or wheelchair ramp), your landlord cannot evict you for that reason.
How do I report discrimination in a senior apartment complex?
Use the Arizona Fair Housing Complaint Form and send it to the Arizona Attorney General’s Civil Rights Division. Retain a copy for your records.
Are senior renters protected from sudden rent increases?
Yes. Landlords must provide proper written notice (usually 30 days) before increasing rent for senior housing, just like for all Arizona tenants.
Which tribunal handles eviction disputes in Arizona?
Arizona Justice Courts handle eviction and rental disputes. You can find local court details at the Arizona Court Help site.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Arizona Senior Renters

You are protected by both state and federal laws from discrimination and unfair evictions in senior housing.
Reasonable modifications and accommodations for disabilities must be considered by landlords.
If your rights are violated, you can use official forms and contact state agencies for help.

Staying informed is your best tool for safe and secure senior living in Arizona.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Arizona Attorney General Civil Rights Division – Fair Housing Unit: File discrimination or housing rights complaints
Arizona Justice Courts: Find local eviction procedures and tenant help
Arizona Department of Housing: Resources for renters, including for the elderly
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Fair Housing: Federal fair housing protections and complaint process