Arizona Property Deed

What Is a Property Deed in Arizona?

An Arizona property deed is a legal document that transfers real property from the grantor (current owner) to the grantee (new owner). To be recorded in Arizona, the deed generally must be signed by the grantor and acknowledged before a notary public. Most Arizona property deeds fall into one of the following categories:

1. Quit Claim Deed: This deed type is usually used to quickly change ownership on a property title. It is common between family members and for transfers into a trust. Because quit claim deeds do not provide guarantees against title defects, they are usually the quickest and easiest solution for naming new property owners.
2. General Warranty Deed: This type of deed guarantees that the grantor owns proper title to the property. It also guarantees the title is free of liens and other defects, unless the deed states otherwise. These guarantees make general warranty deeds ideal for property sales.
3. Special Warranty Deed: Also known as a "limited warranty deed," this type of deed is similar to a general warranty deed. However, it does not guarantee against liens or defects that arose before the grantor owned the property.

When to Use a Property Deed in Arizona

If you want to change the names on a property's title in Arizona, you will most likely need to prepare a deed. Since each type of deed has different legal implications, your choice of deed will depend on your specific needs. For example, a quit claim deed does not guarantee against title defects. It tends to be used for quick transfers between parties who know and trust each other.

Quit claim deeds are generally not used for normal sales of real estate between unknown parties. Instead, sellers typically use a general warranty deed or special warranty deed, which gives the buyer more reassurance.

Signing and Recording Requirements in Arizona

Arizona requires the grantor to sign the deed and acknowledge it before a notary public (Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 33-401). Arizona does not require separate witnesses. Once the deed is signed, record it with the local land records office where the property is located. Keep these Arizona requirements in mind before you file:

• Leave at least a two-inch top margin on the first page and half-inch margins on all other sides (Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 11-480).
• Title the document by its nature, such as "Warranty Deed" (Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 11-480).
• Do not staple the pages of your deed together, and keep all signatures original rather than copied, printed, or stamped.