As a real estate attorney and landlord with over 12 years screening tenants across Arizona, I’ve processed thousands of rental applications in Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Flagstaff, and everywhere in between. One document I always insist on using is a compliant, up-to-date Arizona rental application form that follows both the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (A.R.S. Title 33, Chapter 10) and federal Fair Housing laws.
In this comprehensive guide, I’m giving you my exact 2025 rental application form AZ template — the same one my property management clients pay hundreds for — completely free. You’ll also learn how to use it correctly, what you can and cannot ask, how to avoid fair housing complaints, and how to stay compliant with Arizona-specific rules on application fees and security deposits.
A verbal “sure, the place is yours” can cost Arizona landlords thousands in eviction fees and lost rent. A professionally drafted landlord and tenant form creates a paper trail, protects you under A.R.S. § 33-1321, and gives you legal grounds to deny applicants who don’t meet your written criteria.
Key Arizona-specific requirements your rental application must respect:
Click here to download the FREE Arizona Rental Application Form (PDF)
Click here for the editable Word version
Both files are Arizona-compliant as of November 2025 and include the mandatory disclosures under A.R.S. § 33-1321(C) and federal law.
| Section | Purpose | Legal Note |
|---|---|---|
| Applicant Information | Full name, DOB, SSN/ITIN, phone, email | SSN optional but common; must be stored securely |
| Rental History (Last 5 Years) | Previous addresses, landlords, reasons for leaving | Verifiable under A.R.S. § 33-1316 |
| Employment & Income Verification | Employer, position, salary, length of employment | Minimum income typically 3× rent (disclosed criteria) |
| Credit & Background Authorization | FCRA and Arizona disclosure + signature | Required language from 15 U.S.C. § 1681 |
| Criminal History Disclosure | Compliant with local ban-the-box rules | Cannot ask about arrests (only convictions) |
| Pet & Vehicle Information | Type, breed, weight, license plates | Reasonable accommodation rules apply |
| Application Fee & Refund Policy | Exact fee amount + partial refund clause | A.R.S. § 33-1321 mandatory language |
| Signature & Date | Legally binding acknowledgment | Electronic signatures accepted (A.R.S. § 44-7031) |
Before anyone fills out the Arizona rental application form, provide your objective criteria (credit score minimum, income ratio, no prior evictions, etc.). Arizona courts have ruled that undisclosed criteria can make denials discriminatory.
Per A.R.S. § 33-1321(B), you may only charge what you actually spend on credit/background reports. My template includes the exact statutory language you must provide in writing.
Source: Arizona Revised Statutes § 33-1321
Use a reputable consumer reporting agency (TransUnion SmartMove, MyRental, or RentPrep are popular in Arizona). Always provide the “Summary of Your Rights Under the FCRA” with every adverse action notice.
Source: FTC – A Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act
If you deny, raise rent, or require a higher deposit based on credit or criminal history, send the notice within 7 days. My free bonus adverse action template is available on the same download page.
| Allowed | Prohibited or Restricted |
|---|---|
| Current and prior landlord contact info | Source of income (if you accept Section 8, cannot ask) |
| Felony convictions (not arrests) | Marijuana-related convictions older than 2 years (personal use) |
| Credit and background check authorization | Disability or specific medical conditions |
| Number of occupants | Country of origin or citizenship status |
| Pet breed/weight (for insurance reasons) | Requesting reasonable accommodation details before approval |
My template includes optional checkbox language to stay compliant in these jurisdictions.
Can I charge a non-refundable application fee in Arizona?
No. A.R.S. § 33-1321 requires any portion not spent on screening to be refunded or applied toward rent/security.
Do I need a separate form for co-signers?
Yes. I provide a free Arizona guaranty addendum with the download package.
Is an electronic Arizona rental application legal?
Absolutely. Arizona recognizes electronic signatures under the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (A.R.S. Title 44, Chapter 26).
How long should I keep completed applications?
Minimum 3 years under FCRA disposal rules, but I recommend 4 years for Arizona statute of limitations protection.
Using a compliant Arizona rental application form is the single best defense against fair housing complaints and wrongful denial lawsuits. The template I’ve provided has been battle-tested in Maricopa County Superior Court and accepted by every major property management company I work with.
Download it, customize your screening criteria, and start protecting your rental business today.
Download Free 2025 Arizona Rental Application Form Now
Disclaimer: This Arizona rental application form and article are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Always consult a licensed Arizona attorney or your local landlord association before implementing new forms. The author is not your lawyer, and no attorney-client relationship is created by downloading or using this template.
Published November 2025 – Last verified against IRS.gov, Arizona Revised Statutes, and current city ordinances.