Arizona Real Estate Law

Agency Relationships

Agents may represent the buyer, the seller, or, with written consent, both parties.
Fiduciary duties — loyalty, confidentiality, full disclosure — apply to clients but not to customers.
Ask every agent to explain, in writing, who they represent before you share personal or financial details.

Sellers complete the state-standard SPDS (Seller Property Disclosure Statement).
Arizona's groundwater laws require disclosure of the property's water provider and, in certain Active Management Areas, an assured or adequate water supply report.
Flood zones, wells, and unpermitted additions must be disclosed if known.

Real estate contracts must be in writing to be enforceable.
Review deadlines for inspection, financing, and closing carefully — missed dates can cost your earnest money.
You may hire an independent attorney to review any contract, even if the state does not require one.

Closings are handled by escrow agents at title companies. No attorney is required.
Local custom: the seller usually pays for the owner's title policy; buyer pays the lender's policy and escrow fee is typically split.
Arizona has no state real estate transfer tax — only a small recording fee per document.
Property taxes are billed in arrears and prorated to the day of closing.
Wire instructions for the closing should be verbally confirmed with your escrow officer using a phone number you already trust.

Since August 17, 2024, multiple-listing services (MLS) can no longer publish offers of buyer-agent compensation. Sellers may still choose to pay a buyer's agent, but it is now negotiated separately and disclosed off-MLS.
Buyers must sign a written representation agreement with their agent before touring a home. The agreement must state how the agent is paid and how much. Read it carefully — the fee is between you and your agent now, not automatically covered by the seller.
If you are buying, ask whether the seller is offering to pay your agent's commission, who else might pay it, and exactly what services are included.
If you are selling, you are no longer required to offer a buyer's agent commission. Your listing agent should explain the trade-offs of doing so anyway.

Security deposits are regulated; landlords must return them within a set number of days after move-out.
Evictions require proper written notice and, in most cases, a court order.
Retaliation against tenants who exercise legal rights is prohibited.

Educational information only. Not legal advice. Laws change; verify with the official sources above or consult a licensed attorney.