How to get out of a lease in Scottsdale, AZ

To get out of a lease in Scottsdale, Arizona law applies and you generally owe rent through the lease term unless your landlord releases you, a replacement tenant takes over, or a legal exception applies. A lease takeover is the usual fix. Dryft finds the replacement tenant and refunds you if it doesn't.

Updated

Renting in Scottsdale

Scottsdale sits next to Tempe, and its renters include working professionals as well as students, including those at Scottsdale Community College.

The more rent you have left, the more it costs to leave early, so it's worth comparing a lease takeover with a negotiated release before you decide.

Your options in Scottsdale

OptionEnds your responsibility?Read more
Lease takeoverYes, once the landlord signs the new tenantLease takeover vs sublease
SubleaseNoLease takeover vs sublease
Negotiated releaseYes, if in writingHow to negotiate a lease break fee
Moving out and payingNoWhat happens if you move out early

What Arizona law says

Leases in Scottsdale fall under the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, the same state law that applies everywhere in Arizona. Two provisions matter most when you want out:

  • If a tenant abandons a unit, the landlord must make reasonable efforts to rent it at a fair rental, and your agreement ends on the date a new tenancy begins (A.R.S. § 33-1370).
  • A tenant who is a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault in the dwelling can end the lease early with written notice and the right documents (A.R.S. § 33-1318).

The full picture is in our guide to getting out of a lease.

Timing in Scottsdale

Check your lease for the notice period and any relet fee, then start looking for a replacement tenant at least two months before you want to leave.

How Dryft works in Scottsdale

Dryft finds a replacement tenant to take over your Scottsdale lease, working through your property's own takeover process. Search for your property on the quote page to see your price right away. If your property isn't listed, contact Dryft from the site and we'll tell you what's possible. If Dryft doesn't find a replacement tenant, you get your money back: you can request a full refund for any reason until the incoming tenant signs the official lease.

Frequently asked questions

Can I break my lease in Scottsdale?

You can end a lease early if your landlord agrees, a replacement tenant takes over, or a legal exception applies. Otherwise you stay responsible for the rent. A lease takeover is the usual route, and Dryft finds the replacement tenant.

Does Dryft work in Scottsdale?

Search for your property on the quote page. If it's listed, you'll see a price right away. If it isn't, contact Dryft from the site and we'll tell you what's possible.

Does my Scottsdale landlord have to re-rent my apartment if I leave?

In Arizona, if a tenant abandons the unit, the landlord must make reasonable efforts to rent it at a fair rental (A.R.S. § 33-1370). It doesn't stop you owing rent for the months it sits empty.

What if Dryft can't find a replacement tenant?

You get your money back. Dryft's Service & Refund Agreement lets you request a full refund for any reason until the incoming tenant signs the official lease, and the service is risk-free until then.

Sources

This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws and lease terms vary, so check your own lease and talk to a lawyer or a tenant rights organization about your situation.