Imagine handing over the keys to your Phoenix rental, only to face months of late rent, surprise damages, or constant miscommunication. Sounds like a headache, right? The truth is, many of these issues can be avoided with one powerful tool: a well-written lease agreement.
A strong lease does more than outline rent and rules. It sets the tone, protects your investment, and gives you legal backing when challenges arise.
In this article, we’ll show you how to write a lease agreement that shields your property, reduces risk, and helps you manage your rental with confidence. Keep reading.
Start With the Basics
A solid lease should clearly and directly cover the essentials. This includes the names of the landlord and tenant, property address, lease term, monthly rent, due date, and payment method. These may sound simple, but clarity here helps avoid confusion later. Make sure you specify how rent should be paid and what happens if it’s late.
Don’t forget to include details about the security deposit. Arizona law limits the deposit to one and a half times the monthly rent. You’ll also need to explain when and how it'll be returned, as well as what kind of damage or unpaid bills could result in deductions.
Address Local Rules
As a Phoenix landlord, your lease must follow Arizona law. The Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act requires you to maintain the rental property in a safe and livable condition. That means that working plumbing, heating, cooling, and other essential systems must be in good working order.
You’re also required to give certain disclosures. If your rental was built before 1978, you must warn tenants about lead-based paint. Arizona law also requires you to provide information about bed bugs, especially in apartment buildings, under A.R.S. § 33-1319.
Add simple rules regarding items such as lawn care, trash pickup, and HOA regulations, if applicable. These details help your tenant know what to do and protect your property in the long run.
Set Expectations for Behavior
Clear rules protect your property and help your tenant feel secure. If you don’t want smoking in your rental, say so. If pets are allowed, set limits. You should also outline how many people can live in the unit and what counts as a guest. Want quiet hours after 10 p.m.? Write it in.
Most importantly, include a clause explaining what happens if the lease is broken. Define what counts as a violation and what steps you’ll take. If eviction is necessary, following Arizona’s legal process will be easier with a written agreement that backs you up.
Handle Repairs and Maintenance
One of the biggest causes of tension between landlords and tenants is who handles what when something breaks. Avoid this by spelling it all out. You’re responsible for major systems like plumbing, heat, and air conditioning. Tenants should handle small things like replacing lightbulbs or reporting problems quickly.
Add a section that explains how tenants should request repairs. Include timelines, preferred communication methods, and what to do in emergencies.
Make It Official
Once your lease is complete, review it carefully. Consider having a local real estate attorney take a look. When you’re confident in your lease, have both you and your tenant sign and date it. Give each party a copy to avoid future mix-ups.
A well-written lease gives you a clear plan and helps prevent future problems. It protects your Phoenix rental and makes property management less stressful. Taking the time to get it right can save you a lot of trouble later.
Why a Strong Lease Is Your Property’s Best Defense
A strong lease sets expectations from the start. It helps you avoid many of the common problems that come with renting out a property. When your lease follows Arizona law and covers the details that matter, you can handle issues faster and with less stress.
Taking the time to get it right now can save you bigger problems later.
At Real Estate Brokers of Arizona, we help landlords create lease agreements that protect their properties and support long-term success.
Call us today and let us take the stress out of managing your Phoenix rental.
