Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 33-322
Damage to premises; classification
Operative Text
Removal or intentional and material alteration or damage of any part of a building, the furnishings thereof, or any permanent fixture, by or at the instance of the tenant, without written permission of the landlord or his agent, is a class 2 misdemeanor.
Under A.R.S. § 33-322, a tenant who removes, intentionally alters, or materially damages any part of a building, its furnishings, or a permanent fixture—without first obtaining written permission from the landlord or the landlord's agent—commits a class 2 misdemeanor under Arizona law. The provision covers actions taken by the tenant directly or at the tenant's direction. This makes certain forms of unauthorized property modification a criminal matter, not merely a civil one.
Plain English — not legal advice.
A.R.S. § 33-322 gives landlords a criminal-law backstop when tenants remove or materially alter building components, furnishings, or permanent fixtures without written authorization. Operators who maintain clear written records of any permissions granted for alterations are better positioned to demonstrate whether a modification was authorized. When unauthorized removal or damage occurs, landlords generally document the condition thoroughly, as the conduct described in this provision may be reportable to local law enforcement as a class 2 misdemeanor.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
A.R.S. § 33-322 establishes that removing or intentionally and materially altering or damaging a building, its furnishings, or permanent fixtures—without the landlord's written permission—can result in criminal misdemeanor charges, not just civil liability. Tenants who wish to make modifications, hang fixtures, or remove built-in elements generally seek written approval from the landlord or the landlord's agent before proceeding. Anyone who believes they have been wrongly accused of a violation under this provision may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid service familiar with Arizona housing law.
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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