Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 41-1491.31
Civil action
Operative Text
A. An aggrieved person may file a civil action in superior court not later than two years after the occurrence of the termination of an alleged discriminatory housing practice or the breach of a conciliation agreement entered into under this article, whichever occurs last, to obtain appropriate relief with respect to the discriminatory housing practice or breach. B. The two year period does not include any time elapsed between the filing of any court procedure to enforce an administrative subpoena and is not jurisdictional but is a statute of limitations subject to principles of estoppel, tolling and waiver. C. An aggrieved person may file an action under this section whether or not a complaint has been filed under section 41-1491.22 and without regard to the status of any complaint filed under section 41-1491.22. The filing of an action under this section does not affect the attorney general's power and duty to investigate and make determinations based on the aggrieved person's administrative complaint. D. If the attorney general has obtained a conciliation agreement with the consent of an aggrieved person, the aggrieved person may not file an action under this section with respect to the alleged discriminatory housing practice that forms the basis for the complaint except to enforce the terms of the agreement. E. An aggrieved person may intervene in a civil action filed by the attorney general and based on that person's administrative complaint. F. The rights granted by 42 United States Code sections 3603, 3604, 3605 and 3606 may be enforced in any civil action brought pursuant to this section.
Under A.R.S. § 41-1491.31, a person who believes they have been harmed by a discriminatory housing practice may bring a civil lawsuit in Arizona superior court. The lawsuit must generally be filed within two years of the last discriminatory act or the breach of a conciliation agreement, though this deadline can be affected by tolling, estoppel, or waiver principles. A civil action under this section can proceed independently of any administrative complaint, and federal fair housing rights under 42 U.S.C. §§ 3603–3606 may also be enforced through this avenue.
Plain English — not legal advice.
A.R.S. § 41-1491.31 establishes that housing providers can face civil litigation in superior court brought directly by individuals alleging discriminatory housing practices, separate from any administrative process. Operators who maintain documented, consistent, and non-discriminatory policies and procedures are generally better positioned to respond to such claims. Because a civil action under this section can be filed regardless of whether an administrative complaint exists or has been resolved, compliance with fair housing obligations is an ongoing operational concern rather than a one-time administrative matter.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
A.R.S. § 41-1491.31 gives individuals who believe they have experienced discriminatory housing practices the right to file a civil lawsuit in Arizona superior court within two years of the last discriminatory act or a breach of a conciliation agreement. This right exists independently of any administrative complaint filed under § 41-1491.22, meaning a person does not need to have gone through the administrative process first. Those exploring their options may consider consulting a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider to understand how the two-year window, tolling rules, and any existing conciliation agreements might apply to their circumstances.
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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
Rules and statutes cited by this regulation
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation