The law in plain English
Return deadline
Under Ariz. Rev. Stat. Section 33-1321, the deposit response usually has to be sent within 14 days of the move-out timeline described by the state rule.
Required notice
Arizona generally gives the landlord 14 business days after termination, delivery of possession, and the tenant's demand to send the refund and itemized statement.
This dispute type
Once the Arizona deadline passes, the dispute stops being only about the deductions and becomes a deadline-compliance problem too. A landlord may still argue damage existed, but Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 33-1321 sets the clock for returning the balance and explaining any amount withheld.
Penalty leverage
If the withholding was wrongful or in bad faith, the exposure allowed under the statute is: Landlord forfeits the right to retain any portion; you can recover up to twice the amount wrongfully withheld