The most important source of information about the rights and responsibilities of residential landlords and tenants is the written lease agreement. Some landlords prefer oral agreements, but it is more common for them to require the tenant's signature on a written lease—and a written lease protects the tenant more than an oral agreement. Be sure to read the lease carefully before you sign it.

If a tenant wants to change part of the lease, the tenant should discuss it with the landlord. If the landlord agrees, the landlord and tenant should decide how they want to word the change and then write it into the agreement. Both the tenant and the landlord should then initial the change. For example, many standard leases prohibit pets, but the landlord may be willing to accept a pet if the tenant puts down extra money as security (a pet deposit) to protect against any damage the pet might do.

A state’s landlord-tenant laws may provide additional rights and responsibilities and further define the rights and responsibilities identified in the lease agreement. These laws vary from state to state and are usually located in a state’s statutes.

In Arizona, the rights and responsibilities of residential landlords and tenants are primarily outlined in the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. While oral lease agreements are legally binding in Arizona, a written lease agreement serves as the most important source of information and is strongly recommended as it provides a clear record of the terms agreed upon by both parties. Tenants should read the lease carefully before signing and negotiate any desired changes with the landlord. Any amendments should be written into the lease and initialed by both parties to ensure they are legally enforceable. Arizona law may supersede certain lease terms and provide additional protections or obligations not outlined in the lease. It is important for both landlords and tenants to be familiar with these state-specific statutes to fully understand their rights and responsibilities.