Renting in Arizona: a renter's guide to pests, leases and your rights
Written by the Hydra Pest Control team, Arizona-licensed (license #9790)
Last reviewed:
Arizona's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act requires landlords to keep rentals fit and habitable and tenants to keep their unit clean and report problems to the landlord in writing. Bed bugs have their own statute for most rentals. Who handles routine pest control depends on your lease, your unit type and what caused the problem.
Before you sign
Ask the landlord how pest problems are handled and read the lease's pest section. Record any existing pest signs on the move-in form: A.R.S. 33-1321(C) requires landlords to give a move-in form for existing damage.
Landlord duties
A.R.S. 33-1324(A)(2) requires the landlord to keep the premises fit and habitable, and (A)(3) to keep common areas clean and safe.
Tenant duties
A.R.S. 33-1341(2) requires tenants to keep their part of the premises clean and safe, (3) to dispose of garbage, and (8) to promptly notify the landlord in writing of problems.
Access for treatment
Under A.R.S. 33-1343, a landlord usually gives two days' notice to enter, except in emergencies. Your maintenance request counts as permission to enter for that request.
Bed bugs
A.R.S. 33-1319 covers bed bugs in most rentals. See what Arizona law says about bed bugs in rentals.
If problems aren't fixed
A.R.S. 33-1361 has written-notice procedures. Get advice from an attorney or legal aid before acting, and don't withhold rent without advice.
Who the Act doesn't cover
Hotel or motel stays aren't covered by the Act (A.R.S. 33-1308). Mobile home parks are under a separate act (A.R.S. 33-1401 and following).
More renter guides
Who is responsible for pest control in a rental · Avoid bringing bed bugs home from a trip · Bed bugs from used furniture
Frequently asked
Do I have to tell my landlord about pests in writing?
A.R.S. 33-1341(8) requires tenants to promptly notify the landlord in writing. Bed bugs also require written or electronic notice under A.R.S. 33-1319(B)(2).
Can my landlord enter to treat for pests?
Under A.R.S. 33-1343, the landlord usually gives two days' notice to enter, except in emergencies. Your maintenance request counts as permission to enter for that request.
Does the bed bug law apply to rented houses?
No. A.R.S. 33-1319(D) excludes landlords and tenants of single-family residences.
Related
Sources
Seeing pests in your rental? Get a free custom quote.
Get a free custom quote