Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 33-1901
Definitions
Operative Text
In this article, unless the context otherwise requires: 1. "Managing agent" means a person, corporation, partnership or limited liability company that is authorized by the owner to operate and manage the property. 2. "Residential rental property" means property that is used solely as leased or rented property for residential purposes. If the property is a space rental mobile home park, residential rental property includes the rental space that is leased or rented by the owner of that rental space but does not include the mobile home or recreational vehicle that serves as the actual dwelling if the dwelling is owned and occupied by the tenant of the rental space and not by the owner of the rental space. 3. "Slum property" means residential rental property that has deteriorated or is in a state of disrepair and that manifests one or more of the following conditions that are a danger to the health or safety of the public: (a) Structurally unsound exterior surfaces, roof, walls, doors, floors, stairwells, porches or railings. (b) Lack of potable water, adequate sanitation facilities, adequate water or waste pipe connections. (c) Hazardous electrical systems or gas connections. (d) Lack of safe, rapid egress. (e) Accumulation of human or animal waste, medical or biological waste, gaseous or combustible materials, dangerous or corrosive liquids, flammable or explosive materials or drug paraphernalia.
A.R.S. § 33-1901 et seq. opens with a definitions section that establishes the precise meaning of three key terms used throughout Arizona's residential rental property article. 'Managing agent' covers any person or business entity authorized by an owner to operate and manage a property. 'Residential rental property' refers to property used solely for residential leasing, with specific rules for mobile home park spaces. 'Slum property' describes rental housing that has deteriorated to the point of posing health or safety dangers, illustrated by conditions such as structural failures, missing utilities, hazardous electrical or gas systems, blocked egress, or accumulations of waste or dangerous materials.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under A.R.S. § 33-1901 et seq., property owners and their authorized managing agents should understand that these definitions set the legal baseline for how Arizona classifies residential rental property and what conditions can cause a property to be designated as 'slum property.' Operators who maintain structurally sound buildings, functioning utilities, safe electrical and gas systems, clear egress routes, and clean premises are generally operating outside the conditions that trigger that designation. Owners who delegate day-to-day operations to a managing agent should ensure that delegation is clearly documented, since the statute recognizes such agents as legally authorized representatives of the owner.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
The definitions in A.R.S. § 33-1901 et seq. are important for tenants because they establish what qualifies as 'residential rental property' and, critically, what conditions can cause a property to be classified as 'slum property'—a designation tied to health and safety dangers like structural defects, missing or unsafe utilities, blocked exits, or hazardous waste accumulation. Tenants who believe their home meets one or more of those conditions may have grounds to raise concerns with local code enforcement or housing authorities. Tenant-rights organizations can help renters understand how these definitions interact with other protections available under Arizona 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 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.