Renters FAQ

Arizona Rent / Lease Information

Frequently Asked Questions: Leasing or Renting in AZ

What makes the difference in Arizona house & apartment rental amounts?

House or apartment style, amenities, year built, location and room dimensions can determine the rent variance. Swimming pools and tennis courts, exercise facilities, clubhouse facilities and washer/dryer in apartment units will also figure in to the equation. Some home or apartment landlords may charge premium rents for views, fireplaces, vaulted ceilings and other interior amenities.

How do I determine my monthly rent budget?
Most Arizona rental landlords will require that the total household gross income equals three times the monthly amount of rent. Several recent studies show that many people allow 30 to 35 percent of their budget for housing. Check our Rent Calculator to find out the maximum amount you should pay for rent.

Who pays for utilities in an Arizona house, apartment or condo?
Renters usually pay their own electric, telephone gas, and cable TV bills. Most Arizona condo and apartment communities no longer pay for water and trash pick-up.

Some Arizona apartments and condos will indicate “utilities included” meaning the landlord covers water service and electric. Residents will still pay for their cable television and telephone service in this situation. Arizona vacation rental houses are handled differently – usually the landlord will take care of all utilities.

Personal experience: Depending upon the size of the residence, summer air conditioning/electricity bills can run from $100 to over $500. A one or two bedroom apartment usually will cost between $150 and $250 to keep at about 76 degrees. You get a reprieve in the winter – electricity bills are typically very low.

The electric companies will let you pay an averaged amount on a monthly basis after you’ve lived in a place a year. This is very helpful – you’re not hit with a huge bill in July!

Will the landlord provide a lease agreement?
Most owners have their own lease agreement. If the owner does not provide a written lease, the renter may then want to provide his or her own lease, because verbal agreements are difficult to enforce. Your rights as a renter are covered in the Arizona Landlord and Tenant Act and you can obtain a free copy through the Secretary of State‘s office.

What should an Arizona home / apartment lease include?
A lease is a legal document and should contain the complete agreement and conditions under which the renter occupies the apartment or house. The lease should show the monthly rent, security deposit paid, and terms such as when rent is due and termination clauses.

Will I need to pay a security deposit?
Most Phoenix area apartments and homes require a security deposit. Two weeks or one month’s rent is the standard. If the apartment is left in good condition and the terms of the lease are met the security deposit will be returned to the renter within 45 days after vacating. Most properties will also charge a non-refundable cleaning or preparation fee. Pet deposits and fees are not included in the security deposit.

What is an application fee?
This covers the cost of processing the application, including a credit check. This fee can vary from $25.00 to $50.00 per person and is non-refundable.

Can an Arizona home renter keep a pet without asking the owner?
A number of leases have a clause or pet rider indicating the restrictions, if any, and the size and kind of pets allowed. Having a pet without the owner’s permission may be considered a violation of your lease agreement. Many Arizona apartment communities and homes allow pets, even large dogs.

Personal experience: There are always breed restrictions in apartment communities. If you have a German Shepherd, Pit Bull, or Rottweiler you will most likely have to rent a house. Usually apartments limit the size of the animal to 20 lbs, some up to 50 lbs. Fortunately, no one has ever offered to weigh my 85 lb dog, so he passes for 50 lbs.

Most apartment dwellers seem to have a cat, and few of them actually claim the cat. I’ve never seen anyone have a problem with cats.

Are Arizona rental landlords family friendly?
Phoenix landlords welcome all types of residents. Many offer amenities like tennis courts, jogging trails and swimming pools for everyone to enjoy. Playgrounds and wading pools are also available in some communities. Most property managers can provide you with information on Phoenix area public and private daycare facilities.

What if I need furniture for my new Arizona home or apartment?
Rental furniture is the answer for frequently transferred executives who don’t want to sell or move furniture, or for people establishing a new home or easing into a lifestyle change. Some companies also provide housewares packages including bed and bath linens, decorative accents, china and small appliances. Leases are usually written for 3-month terms, and some include rent-to-own options. Let your leasing agent know and they can assist you.

Personal experience: Because Arizona is such a vacation spot, there are many apartments, condos and homes that rent furnished.

 

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