Can I break my Arizona lease if I receive deployment orders?

Yes, you may legally terminate your lease early by providing written notice and a copy of your military orders. Thirty days' notice is typically required after your next rent due date.

What protections do I have against eviction as an active-duty renter?

If you are on active duty, the federal SCRA and Arizona law both prevent landlords from evicting you or your dependents without a court order while you are serving.

Does my landlord have to fix maintenance issues quickly?

Yes. Landlords in Arizona must fix health or safety-related problems promptly. Provide written notice and, if repairs are delayed, contact the Arizona Department of Housing or your base legal office.

Are there rent control laws for off-base military housing in Arizona?

No, Arizona has no rent control. However, landlords must give at least 30 days' written notice before any increase on a month-to-month lease.

Where can I get official help with a landlord-tenant dispute?

Contact the Arizona Department of Housing or your nearest Arizona Justice Court for formal dispute resolution help.

Off-Base Military Housing: Rights and Rules for Arizona Renters

Special Housing Types & Situations Arizona published June 21, 2025

Renting an off-base home in Arizona as a service member or military family can be different than living in base housing. Arizona law offers specific rights and protections—especially when it comes to leases, rent increases, maintenance duties, and addressing disputes. This article explains key rules and resources for anyone renting off-base military housing in Arizona.

Your Rights and Protections as a Military Renter in Arizona

Military renters in Arizona are protected both by federal law (like the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act) and Arizona's own landlord-tenant laws. These rules provide extra safeguards beyond the standard rental agreement and are designed to recognize the unique needs of active duty personnel and their families.

Key Protections for Military Renters

Early Lease Termination: Under both Arizona law and the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), active duty renters can terminate a lease early without penalty, provided they give proper notice and proof of military orders.
Eviction Safeguards: Landlords cannot evict active duty renters or their dependents during military service without a court order. The court may delay eviction for up to three months if military service affects the renter’s ability to pay.¹
Maintenance and Repairs: Landlords are obligated to maintain safe and habitable conditions in accordance with the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.²
Rent Increases: While Arizona law does not cap rent, landlords must provide at least 30 days' written notice before raising rent on month-to-month tenancies.²

Understanding these rules can help military renters manage their tenancies with more confidence, especially during deployments or permanent change of station (PCS) moves.

Lease Termination for Military Reasons

If you receive military orders for deployment or PCS, you may end your lease early. Here's what you need to know for a smooth process:

Provide your landlord with written notice of termination, including the effective end date (at least 30 days after notice is delivered).
Attach a copy of your military orders to your notice.
Use the Notice to Landlord of Termination of Lease Due to Military Orders (no official Arizona form number):
- When to use: If you must move for active duty, deployment, or PCS relocation
- How to use: Fill out relevant details and provide a copy to your landlord, along with your official orders
- Download this template from the Arizona Department of Housing

Maintenance, Repairs, and Your Responsibilities

Regardless of military status, landlords must keep rental homes safe and habitable in Arizona. This includes working plumbing, electrical, heating, and keeping the premises free of health or safety hazards. Renters are responsible for keeping the rental clean, disposing of garbage, and reporting repairs.

For urgent repairs, provide written notice to your landlord about the specific problem.
Use the Arizona Repair Request Notice (no form number):
- When to use: If your rental needs repair and the landlord is not addressing it
- How to use: Write a brief, clear note stating the needed repair and deliver it to your landlord
- Find sample forms on the Arizona Department of Housing website

How Arizona Handles Landlord-Tenant Disputes

If you have a conflict with your landlord—such as improper eviction, unaddressed repairs, or security deposit issues—you may seek assistance from the Arizona Department of Housing Landlord-Tenant Dispute Process. For legal cases, the local Arizona Justice Courts generally handle landlord-tenant matters.

Learn how to file a complaint or appeal through Arizona Justice Courts
Keep thorough records and copies of all communications with your landlord.

Relevant Law: All off-base rental agreements in Arizona are subject to the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (A.R.S. Title 33).²

Tip: If you're unsure about your lease terms or protection under the SCRA, contact your installation's legal assistance office or the Arizona Department of Housing for free guidance before taking action.

Arizona Tenant Forms for Military Renters

Notice to Landlord of Lease Termination Due to Military Orders
- When to use: To lawfully end your lease if you receive new military orders
- Official template location: Arizona Department of Housing
Repair Request Notice
- When to use: If a maintenance issue is not being addressed
- Official sample location: Arizona forms resource

FAQ: Arizona Military Renters

Can I break my Arizona lease if I receive deployment orders?
Yes, you may legally terminate your lease early by providing written notice and a copy of your military orders. Thirty days' notice is typically required after your next rent due date.
What protections do I have against eviction as an active-duty renter?
If you are on active duty, the federal SCRA and Arizona law both prevent landlords from evicting you or your dependents without a court order while you are serving.
Does my landlord have to fix maintenance issues quickly?
Yes. Landlords in Arizona must fix health or safety-related problems promptly. Provide written notice and, if repairs are delayed, contact the Arizona Department of Housing or your base legal office.
Are there rent control laws for off-base military housing in Arizona?
No, Arizona has no rent control. However, landlords must give at least 30 days' written notice before any increase on a month-to-month lease.
Where can I get official help with a landlord-tenant dispute?
Contact the Arizona Department of Housing or your nearest Arizona Justice Court for formal dispute resolution help.

Key Takeaways for Military Renters in Arizona

You have the right to end your lease early if deployed or relocated—use proper notice and forms.
Eviction and rent increases are regulated under both state and federal law; always keep documentation.
Free help is available from the Arizona Department of Housing and military legal aid offices.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Arizona Department of Housing — Official forms, legal info, and complaint submissions
Arizona Justice Courts (Landlord-Tenant) — How to file or respond to disputes
United States Department of Justice SCRA Resources
Military Base Legal Assistance Offices — Free legal advice for service members

Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), 50 U.S.C. §§ 3901-4043, available at SCRA Overview – U.S. Department of Justice
Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (A.R.S. Title 33, Chapters 10 & 11), available at Arizona State Legislature – Landlord and Tenant Act