The real estate market in the United States is once again at the center of the debate, and one of the most extreme cases is in Arizona. There, an in-force law allows owners to raise rental prices with no limit, as long as they meet certain basic requirements.
The regulations, backed by the state’s own legal framework, position Arizona as one of the most flexible —and controversial— states for the real estate business.
A law that prohibits rent control
The key point is the state statute A.R.S. § 33-1329, which establishes that no city or municipality may impose controls on rental prices.
In legal terms, the rule indicates that rent control is a state matter and, therefore, local governments are prohibited from regulating how much owners can charge.
This means that major cities such as Phoenix or Tucson cannot set caps or limit increases, even in housing crisis situations.
How much rents can increase
According to current legislation and the framework of the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, there is no maximum percentage for rent increases.
- Owners can raise the price by any amount
- There is no annual cap or frequency restriction
- The amount is subject to market logic
Even in month-to-month rental agreements, the increase may be applied repeatedly, as long as the corresponding advance notice is given.
The only requirement owners must meet
Although the law grants broad freedom to owners, it sets one fundamental condition: notice to the tenant.
- Month-to-month contracts: at least 30 days’ notice
- Weekly contracts: minimum 10 days
In fixed-term contracts, the rent cannot be changed until the agreement ends, unless otherwise agreed.
What owners cannot do
Despite the lack of limits, the law does impose some restrictions:
- They cannot increase the rent during an active contract
- They cannot apply increases for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons
These protections are aligned with federal laws such as the Fair Housing Act.