Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 33-1372
Landlord liens; distraint for rent
Operative Text
A. A lien or security interest on behalf of the landlord in the tenant's household goods is not enforceable unless perfected before the effective date of this chapter. B. Distraint for rent is abolished.
Under A.R.S. § 33-1372, Arizona law eliminates two historically common landlord remedies: any lien or security interest a landlord might claim over a tenant's household goods is unenforceable unless it was legally perfected before this chapter took effect, and the practice of distraint for rent—whereby a landlord could seize a tenant's belongings to satisfy unpaid rent—has been entirely abolished. These provisions reflect a legislative choice to limit the ways landlords can pursue rent collection by restricting claims against personal property. The rule applies broadly across residential tenancies governed by A.R.S. § 33-1301 et seq.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under A.R.S. § 33-1372 should be aware that attempting to assert a lien on a tenant's household goods or seizing personal property to collect unpaid rent is not a legally available remedy in Arizona. Compliant operators pursue rent collection through lawful channels such as filing in court for a monetary judgment or initiating eviction proceedings under A.R.S. § 33-1301 et seq. Maintaining familiarity with these boundaries helps operators avoid actions that could expose them to legal liability.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
A.R.S. § 33-1372, part of the broader Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act at A.R.S. § 33-1301 et seq., means that a landlord generally cannot place a lien on your household belongings or physically seize your personal property as a way to collect unpaid rent. If a landlord attempts either of these actions, tenants may have grounds to raise the violation as a defense in court or to seek other legal remedies. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid services can help explain what options may be available under these provisions.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
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