Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 33-2142
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. If the rental agreement is terminated, the landlord shall return all deposits, less any utility charges and damages.
Arizona law under A.R.S. § 33-2142 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 tenant has the right either to reclaim possession of the rental unit or to terminate the rental agreement entirely. In either case, the tenant is entitled to recover a sum equal to two months' periodic rent, and if the agreement is terminated, the landlord must return all deposits minus any legitimate utility charges or damages.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under A.R.S. § 33-2142, compliant property owners and managers maintain continuous access to essential services — including electricity, gas, and water — for tenants throughout the tenancy and never use utility shutoffs or physical exclusion as a means of pressuring a tenant to vacate. Operators who need to regain possession of a unit generally do so only through lawful eviction procedures, not through self-help measures. Violations of this provision expose landlords to liability for two months' rent in addition to the obligation to return security deposits, making adherence to proper legal channels a standard practice in professional property management.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
A.R.S. § 33-2142 gives tenants in Arizona specific remedies if a landlord unlawfully locks them out or deliberately interrupts essential utility services like gas, water, or electricity. Under this provision, a tenant may choose to pursue re-entry into the rental unit or to treat the rental agreement as terminated, and in either scenario may seek to recover an amount equal to two months' periodic rent. Tenants who believe this provision has been violated can document the situation thoroughly, contact a local tenant-rights organization for general guidance, or consult with a licensed attorney to understand the enforcement paths available to them.
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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