Does a landlord have to accept a partial rent payment in Arizona?

No, landlords in Arizona are not required to accept partial rent payments unless your lease specifically allows it.

Will paying part of my rent stop an eviction in Arizona?

Not automatically. Unless your landlord gives written notice that eviction is stopped, you may still be at risk if the full rent is not paid.

What notice must a landlord give before evicting over partial payment?

Landlords must serve you a Five-Day Notice to Pay or Quit before starting an eviction for unpaid rent.

Where can Arizona renters find official eviction forms?

Official forms are available at the Arizona Courts Self-Service Center website.

What should I do if I can’t pay my full rent or the full balance?

Communicate with your landlord, seek written agreements, and get help from housing or legal resources as soon as possible.

Partial Rent Payments and Eviction Risks in Arizona

Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Arizona published: June 21, 2025

Dealing with missed or partial rent payments can feel stressful for Arizona renters. If you’re struggling to pay the full rent, it’s important to know how partial payments may affect your eviction risk and your rights under Arizona law. This article helps you understand what happens when you pay part of your rent, how your landlord may respond, and what legal protections are in place for renters in Arizona.

Understanding Partial Rent Payments in Arizona

Under Arizona law, renters are generally required to pay the full amount of rent by the due date stated in their lease agreement. Sometimes, financial difficulties cause renters to pay only part of the rent. Here’s what you need to know about the legal treatment of partial payments:

A landlord may choose to accept a partial payment, but is not required to accept less than the full rent unless your lease says otherwise.
If a landlord accepts a partial payment, it does not automatically waive their right to start or continue an eviction for nonpayment, unless they give written notice stating otherwise.
The landlord must provide proper written notice before starting any eviction process.

Arizona’s main eviction laws can be found in the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.^[1]

Can You Be Evicted After a Partial Rent Payment?

Even if your landlord accepts a partial payment, you may still face eviction for the remaining balance. However, certain legal steps must be followed:

The landlord must give a written notice called a Five-Day Notice to Pay or Quit before starting an eviction. This means you have five days from the date of the notice to pay the remaining rent or move out.
If you pay the remaining balance within the notice period, the eviction process must stop.
If you do not pay the balance or move out, the landlord can file an eviction case in court.

Official Eviction Forms in Arizona

Five-Day Notice to Pay or Quit
Form Use: Your landlord must serve this notice when you are behind on rent, even if you’ve made a partial payment. The notice must state the amount owed and give you five days to pay in full or vacate.
Where to Find: View a sample and the requirements at the Arizona Courts Self-Service Center – Eviction Actions.
Eviction Summons and Complaint
Form Use: If you do not pay the full rent within five days, your landlord may file these forms to begin formal eviction proceedings. You will be served and notified of a court date.
Where to Find: Access forms and instructions at the Arizona Courts Self-Service Center – Eviction Actions.

Key Legislation and Who Handles Eviction Cases

The main law is the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act – Section 33-1368, which outlines nonpayment procedures and notices.
Eviction cases are handled by the Arizona Justice Courts, which oversee landlord-tenant disputes.

If you receive a Five-Day Notice or court papers, it’s important to act quickly. You have the right to respond and present your case in court.

Can a Landlord Refuse Partial Rent Payments?

Arizona landlords can refuse a partial rent payment (unless the lease says otherwise). Accepting a partial payment may impact the timing of the eviction process. If your landlord accepts a partial payment after serving a Five-Day Notice, they must provide a written receipt stating whether accepting the payment ends the eviction process or if it covers only part of the amount owed.

If you’re unsure how to proceed after making a partial payment, contact legal aid or check your notice for specific instructions. Always request and keep written receipts of any payments.

Action Steps if You’re Unable to Pay Full Rent

Communicate with your landlord as early as possible and keep all correspondence.
If you receive a Five-Day Notice, review it carefully and determine how much remains unpaid.
Try to pay the full amount (including any late fees allowed under your lease) before the end of the notice period.
If you need more time or have a dispute, you may contact Arizona’s landlord-tenant hotline or seek help from legal aid.
If you’re served with an eviction summons, attend your court hearing or file a response as instructed.

If you act quickly, you may be able to prevent an eviction and protect your rental record.

FAQ: Partial Rent Payments and Eviction in Arizona

Does a landlord have to accept a partial rent payment?
No, landlords in Arizona are not required to accept partial payments unless your lease states otherwise.
If my landlord takes a partial payment, does it stop eviction?
Not automatically. Unless the landlord gives you written notice that accepting payment stops the eviction, you may still be at risk if the full amount isn’t paid.
What notice must my landlord give before evicting for partial payment?
The landlord must give you a Five-Day Notice to Pay or Quit before filing for eviction over unpaid rent.
What can I do if I can’t pay the balance within five days?
You should try to work out a payment plan or seek assistance. If you cannot pay or move, the landlord may move forward with an eviction in court.
Where can I find official eviction forms and more information?
Visit the Arizona Courts Self-Service Center for forms and guides on eviction procedures.

Conclusion: What Arizona Renters Should Remember

Partial rent payments do not guarantee eviction will be stopped in Arizona—always get any promises in writing.
The law requires written notices and gives renters a chance to pay the balance before eviction can proceed.
Acting promptly and keeping documentation can help protect your rights and rental history.

If you’re ever unsure, reach out to state or legal resources for guidance.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Arizona Judicial Branch – Self-Service Center (official forms and guides)
Arizona Department of Housing (for housing assistance and renter programs)
AZLawHelp.org (legal aid and tenant support)
Arizona Justice Courts (find your local housing court)