Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 33-1475
Tenant's remedies for landlord's unlawful ouster, exclusion or diminution of services
Operative Text
If the landlord unlawfully removes or excludes the tenant from the premises or wilfully diminishes services to the tenant by interrupting or causing the interruption of electric, gas, water or other essential service to the tenant, the tenant may recover possession or terminate the rental agreement and, in either case, recover an amount equal to two months' periodic rent and twice the actual damages sustained by him. If the rental agreement is terminated, the landlord shall return all deposits.
Arizona Revised Statutes § 33-1475 addresses situations where a landlord unlawfully locks out a tenant, removes them from their home, or deliberately cuts off essential utilities such as electricity, gas, or water. When such conduct occurs, the law gives the tenant the option to either reclaim possession of the rental unit or end the rental agreement entirely. In either case, the tenant is entitled to recover a sum equal to two months' rent plus twice their actual damages, and if the agreement is terminated, the landlord must return all deposits.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under A.R.S. § 33-1475, property owners and managers are prohibited from using self-help eviction tactics, such as changing locks, physically removing a tenant, or deliberately interrupting essential utility services like electricity, gas, or water. Compliant operators rely exclusively on formal legal eviction processes and never interfere with a tenant's access to the unit or its essential services outside of those processes. Violations expose landlords to significant financial liability, including a statutory damages award of two months' rent plus twice the tenant's actual damages.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
A.R.S. § 33-1475 provides meaningful remedies if your landlord unlawfully locks you out, removes you from your home, or deliberately shuts off essential services like gas, water, or electricity. Under this provision, you generally have the right to either reclaim possession of the rental unit or terminate the rental agreement, and in either case to seek recovery of two months' periodic rent plus twice your actual damages. Tenants in this situation may consider documenting the conduct thoroughly, contacting a local tenant-rights organization for guidance, or consulting with a legal aid office about how to pursue these remedies in court.
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 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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