FACTS: The tenant vacated the property after the lease terminated and immediately demanded a return of the tenant’s security deposit.  The landlord refused and stated that the tenant would receive the security deposit with an itemized list of the deductions by the end of the month. 

ISSUE: When is the tenant entitled to a return of the security deposit? 

ANSWER: See Discussion. 

DISCUSSION:

The landlord has fourteen (14) days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays or other legal holidays, after termination of the tenancy and delivery of possession, and demand by the tenant to provide the tenant an itemized list of all deductions together with the amount due and payable to the tenant, if any.  Unless other arrangements are made in writing by the tenant, the landlord must mail the itemized list and any amount due, by first class mail, to the tenant’s last known place of residence. A.R.S. §33-1321(D).  Therefore, the tenant’s demand for an “immediate” return of the security deposit is premature.