Legal and Tenant Help in Arizona

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

Hi friend. Legal problems can feel scary and confusing. You don't have to figure it out alone. There are legal aid offices in Arizona that help people who qualify, at little or no cost.

Start with AZLawHelp.org to find plain information and legal aid near you. If you got court papers, call right away.

LAW

AZLawHelp.org866.637.5341.

CLS

Phoenix area602.258.3434.

SALA

Tucson520.623.9461.

DNA

Northern AZ928.871.4151.

Bunkly tip: Bunkly says hi and explains how this guide works (0:25). Tap play for sound. Captions included.

A few things to know

You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise a bed, money or a spot in any program.
Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.

Where do I start?

AZLawHelp.org shares plain language legal information and helps you find civil legal aid offices across Arizona. Call 866.637.5341.

Legal aid offices help people who qualify with problems like housing, benefits and family matters.

Sources: https://www.azlawhelp.org/

Your first steps, in order

Read any letters or court papers right away. Keep them.
Write down dates, names and what happened.
Visit AZLawHelp.org or call legal aid.
Bring your papers when you meet with someone.

Which legal aid office should I call?

Phoenix area: Community Legal Services, 602.258.3434 or 800.852.9075.
Southern Arizona: Southern Arizona Legal Aid, 520.623.9461.
Northern Arizona and the Navajo Nation: DNA People's Legal Services, 928.871.4151.

SAY IT LIKE THIS

What to say when you call

"Hi. I need help with (a housing, benefits or family problem)."

"I live in (town or county)."

"I got (a letter or court papers) dated (date)."

What if I'm having trouble with my landlord?

Questions about renting, repairs or deposits? Check the official page below.

AZLawHelp.org explains things in plain words. Read the details there and decide for yourself, and talk with legal aid if you need help.

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Keep a record

Write down every problem and every time you asked for a fix. Take photos with dates.

Think you were treated differently?

Think you were treated differently when renting, at work or getting services, because of who you are? You can report it.

Legal aid can help you understand your options, and the official pages below explain how.

What if I was turned down for benefits?

Read the letter. It explains how to ask for a review.

Questions about your case? Check the official page below, or call legal aid for help.

What about a record?

Questions about clearing or sealing a record? Check AZLawHelp.org, linked below, and decide what's right for you.

Legal aid may be able to help.

Bring to a legal aid visit

Your ID.
Any letters, notices or court papers.
Your lease, if it's about housing.
A list of dates and what happened.
Questions you want to ask.

EXAMPLE

Say you got court papers from your landlord in Phoenix

You could call Community Legal Services right away. You could read the papers and note the date. You could call your Community Action Agency about rent help at the same time.

How do I get ready for court?

If you have a court date, go, and get there early. Bring your papers and any notes.

Dress neatly if you can, and turn off your phone.

Call legal aid as soon as you get court papers.
Ask the court about an interpreter if you need one.
If you have a disability, ask the court for the help you need.
Write down what happens and any new dates.

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You can do this

Court can feel scary. Bring a friend for support, if you'd like.

What about family or custody questions?

Questions about custody, child support or divorce? Check AZLawHelp.org, linked below.

It explains things in plain words and points to forms and help near you. Read the details there and decide what's right for you.

If you're not safe at home, guide 8 has help, and an advocate can help you plan.

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Take it step by step

Legal problems often take time. Keep your papers together and keep asking questions.

Questions people ask a lot

Is legal aid at no cost?

For people who qualify, it often is. Ask when you call.

What if legal aid can't take my case?

Ask who else could help. AZLawHelp.org lists other options.

Can I go to court without a lawyer?

Many people do. AZLawHelp.org has plain information to help.

What if I don't speak English?

Ask for an interpreter.

What if I missed a date?

Call legal aid right away.

How do I make the most of each call?

Calling for help can feel like a lot. A little planning makes each call easier, and you'll get further, faster.

Call early in the day if you can. It leaves time to follow up the same day.
Have a pen, paper and your papers close by before you call.
Say what you need in one or two sentences first. Then answer their questions.
Ask, "Is there anything else I should apply for?" One call can open more doors.
Before you hang up, ask who you talked to and what happens next.
Write it all down in your call log at the back of this guide.

SAY IT LIKE THIS

If you get put on hold or cut off

"Hi, I was just talking with someone about (what you need), and we got cut off."

"Can you help me pick up where we left off?"

"Is there a direct number I can use if this happens again?"

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Keep going, friend

If one place can't help, ask them who can. Each call gets you closer.

What if I'm told no, or put on a waitlist?

A no from one place isn't a no from everyone. Programs have different rules, funds and space, and things change from week to week.

Ask why. Knowing the reason helps you know what to try next.
Ask, "Who else could help with this?" Write down every name and number they share.
If you're on a waitlist, ask how long it usually takes and how you'll hear from them. Ask how often you should check in.
Keep your phone number and address up to date with every program, so you don't miss a call or letter.
If a state agency turns you down, read the letter right away. It explains how to ask for a review. Call legal aid if you want help.
Dial 211, or search 211arizona.org any time, to look for other options near you.

Keep your papers safe

Keep your ID, Social Security card and benefit letters in one folder or zip bag.
Take photos of each paper and save them where you can get to them, like your email.
Keep a short list of your case numbers and who you talked to.
Never share your EBT card PIN with anyone.

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You're doing great

Asking for help, and asking again, takes strength. I'm cheering you on every step of the way.

Who can I call in my county?

Here is help that works across Arizona, then local help in Maricopa County (Phoenix) and Pima County (Tucson), then help for other counties. Call ahead for hours.

Federal help (works in every state)

Here are some places to start.

HUD approved housing counselors

What it offers HUD lists housing counseling agencies that help people find, keep and hold on to a home.

How to reach Call 800.569.4287 (TTY 202.708.1455). Search online at https://answers.hud.gov/housingcounseling/

Source https://www.hud.gov/stat/sfh/housing-counseling

Last checked October 22, 2026

VA Legal Services for Veterans

What it offers VA supports legal services for Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

How to reach Ask the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877.424.3838. Online: https://www.va.gov/homeless/

Source https://department.va.gov/homeless/

Last checked October 22, 2026

HUD: report housing discrimination

What it offers If you believe you were treated unfairly when renting or buying a home, you can file a report with HUD.

How to reach File online at https://www.hud.gov/contactus/file-complaint

Source https://www.hud.gov/contactus/file-complaint

Last checked October 22, 2026

Other local groups may also help.

Arizona

Here are some places to start.

AZLawHelp.org

What it offers Plain language legal information and a way to find civil legal aid offices across Arizona.

How to reach Call 866.637.5341, or visit https://www.azlawhelp.org/

Source https://www.azlawhelp.org/

Last checked October 22, 2026

DNA People's Legal Services

What it offers Civil legal help for people who qualify in northern Arizona and on the Navajo Nation and other tribal lands.

How to reach Call 928.871.4151, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. Visit https://dnalegalservices.org/

Source https://dnalegalservices.org/

Last checked October 22, 2026

211 Arizona

What it offers Private, no cost help line and online search for local help with housing, food, utilities, health care, transportation and more. Specialists answer from 9 am to 7 pm, every day, in English and Spanish, with interpreters for other languages.

How to reach Dial 211, or call 877.211.8661 from anywhere. For Relay, dial 711 or 800.367.8939. Search at https://211arizona.org/

Source https://211arizona.org/

Last checked October 22, 2026

DES Community Action Agencies

What it offers Local agencies in every Arizona county that help with utility or mortgage payments, eviction or foreclosure prevention, rental deposits and emergency shelter. Phone lines get busy, so it may take a few tries.

How to reach See the Other counties list below, or visit https://des.az.gov/CommunityActionAgencies

Source https://des.az.gov/CommunityActionAgencies

Last checked October 22, 2026

Other local groups may also help.

Maricopa County (Phoenix)

Here are some places to start.

Community Legal Services

What it offers Civil legal help for people who qualify in Maricopa County and nearby counties, including housing problems.

How to reach Call 602.258.3434 or 800.852.9075. Phone intake is 8:30 am to 3 pm. Office: 305 S. 2nd Ave., Phoenix. Intake is closed October 29 and reopens October 30 at 10 am.

Source https://clsaz.org/

Last checked October 22, 2026

Maricopa County Human Services Department

What it offers Rent and utility help for county residents who live outside Glendale, Mesa and Phoenix, through Community Action Program (CAP) offices. Apply online through the Client Portal, or call your local CAP office.

How to reach Call 602.506.5911, or 602.506.0589 for general questions about rent and utility help. Office: 234 N. Central Ave., Suite 3000, Phoenix.

Source https://www.maricopa.gov/5582/Rental-Assistance

Last checked October 22, 2026

Other local groups may also help.

Pima County (Tucson)

Here are some places to start.

Southern Arizona Legal Aid

What it offers Civil legal help for people who qualify in southern Arizona, including housing and benefits problems.

How to reach Call 520.623.9461. Office: 2343 E. Broadway Blvd., Suite 200, Tucson.

Source https://sazlegalaid.org/

Last checked October 22, 2026

Pima County Community Assistance Division

What it offers Pima County's Community Action Agency. Help with rent, mortgage and utility bills for people who qualify, when funds allow, plus links to utility discount programs.

How to reach Call 520.724.2667, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm (closed noon to 1 pm). Main line: 520.724.2460. Office: 801 W. Congress St., Tucson.

Source https://www.pima.gov/community-assistance-division

Last checked October 22, 2026

Other local groups may also help.

Other counties (call your Community Action Agency)

Every Arizona county has a Community Action Agency that can help with utility bills, rent, deposits and emergency shelter when funds allow. If you don't live in Maricopa or Pima County, start here. Phone lines get busy, so keep trying, or dial 211.