Arizona: When Is Posting Allowed in Eviction Cases?
Arizona allows "posting" at two very different stages of the eviction process—but only when each stage's specific legal requirements are met. Posting is never valid by itself, never a first attempt, and always requires a matching mailing step.
Understanding when posting is allowed—and who is authorized to do it—is essential. Improper posting is one of the top reasons Arizona eviction cases get dismissed.
Fast Serve AZ ensures posting is done correctly every time, whether it's the landlord's notice or the court-issued summons.
1. Posting Rules Are Different for Notices vs. Court Documents
Arizona law splits eviction service into two phases:
The Initial Eviction Notice
(5-day, 10-day, noncompliance, health & safety, etc.)
The Formal Eviction Lawsuit
(Summons & Complaint after the landlord files in court)
Posting is allowed at both phases, but the legal requirements differ sharply.
2. When Posting Is Allowed for the Initial Eviction Notice (Before Filing)
Initial notices are governed by the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ARLTA)—not the eviction-court rules.
Posting is allowed when:
Personal service is attempted or not reasonably possible
If the landlord cannot hand the notice directly to the tenant or an adult occupant, they may use posting + mailing.
The notice is posted in a conspicuous location
This usually means:
- • The primary entrance
- • Clearly visible
- • Securely attached
Posting on a fence, mailbox, car, side gate, or shared hallway is not valid.
The notice is also mailed
A copy must be mailed to the tenant's last known address using:
- • Certified mail, or
- • Regular mail (some courts accept this for notices, but certified is strongly preferred)
Both steps must be completed for service to be valid.
The timeline starts correctly
The legally required notice period begins:
- • The day after the notice is considered served
- • Counting forward the correct number of calendar days (depending on the notice type)
If this timeline is miscalculated, the court may dismiss the case for premature filing.
3. When Posting Is Allowed for the Summons & Complaint (After Filing)
Once the landlord files an eviction lawsuit, posting is governed by:
RPEA 5(f): "Post and Mail" for Eviction Court Documents
Posting the Summons & Complaint is lawful only when:
Diligent personal-service attempts were made
A constable, sheriff, or certified process server must first attempt:
- • Personal service
- • Attempts on different days
- • Attempts at different times (morning + evening)
- • Attempts consistent with eviction deadlines
Only after these attempts fail can posting be used.
Posting occurs at the primary entrance
The documents must be placed:
- • At the main entry door
- • Clearly visible
- • Firmly affixed
- • With all required attachments (lease, addendums, eviction information sheet, etc.)
A second copy is mailed
The server must mail another copy to the rental unit address via:
- • First-class mail, or
- • Certified mail
Posting alone is never sufficient.
Court authorization
In most routine evictions, posting + mailing is allowed under RPEA without a special judge's order if diligent attempts are documented.
However, certain circumstances—such as commercial evictions, unusual occupancy situations, or restricted-access buildings—may require a specific court directive.
A proper Proof of Service is filed
The server must file a certificate stating:
- • The dates/times of attempted personal service
- • Where posting occurred
- • How mailing was completed
- • That all required documents were included
An incomplete affidavit can render the service invalid.
4. When Posting Is NOT Allowed
Posting is invalid when:
Any of these errors can cause the eviction to be dismissed at the hearing.
5. Posting is Common When Tenants Avoid Service
Many tenants attempt to delay the eviction by:
Once reasonable efforts at personal service are documented, posting ensures the eviction proceeds even if the tenant refuses to engage.
Avoidance never blocks the case.
6. Summary: When Is Posting Allowed in Arizona Eviction Cases?
Posting is allowed only when:
For Notices (before filing):
For the Summons & Complaint (after filing):
Posting is a powerful tool—but only when used lawfully.
Fast Serve AZ ensures your eviction is never derailed by improper posting.