In 2023, Maricopa County saw the most eviction filings since 2005, and 2024 is on track to surpass last year's total. 12News did an in-depth analysis of evictions.
MARICOPA COUNTY, Ariz. — The most eviction filings were filed in Maricopa County in 2023 since 2005, and if early numbers for 2024 are any indication, this year is on track to surpass last year.
Just because an eviction order has been filed does not mean that the person served with the eviction notice will be evicted from their home. According to the Maricopa County Court of Appeals. In some cases, eviction orders are filed and disputes between residents and landlords are resolved out of court. In other cases, the matter is taken to court and resolved.
If a landlord files for eviction, the tenant can pay the “arrears” before a judge issues a ruling. Some tenants move out before the eviction case goes to court. Population growth also tends to lead to an increase in evictions.
12News tracks the number of eviction applications filed each month to bring you the data you need to know about the county's housing crisis.
Maricopa County officials said they saw a “normal” increase in eviction filings in May.
More than 7,000 eviction cases were filed in Maricopa County during May, the highest number of eviction cases in the first five months of the year since 2000.
Click here to read the full article.
Governor Hobbs Refuses to Change How Arizona Homeowners Can Evict Squatters
Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed a bill that would have allowed police to immediately remove suspected squatters from homes.
Senate Bill 1129 would allow property owners to request assistance from law enforcement to evict someone they claim is illegally occupying their home. Homeowners would have to fill out an affidavit stating that the person is not a current or former tenant.
Click here to read the full article.
Eviction filing in April
of Maricopa County Courthouse The number of lawsuits was 6,788, up 588 from March, or about 9%.
The news release said the increase is “consistent” with the increase the county experiences annually between March and April, when eviction filings typically increase during the summer.
Click here to read the full article.
Phoenix debates right-to-defense program for renters facing eviction
Noelle Lewis is one of thousands of Maricopa County residents facing eviction in 2023. She received her eviction notice after her rent was more than she could afford.
“They gave me phone numbers and different programs,” Lewis said, “but my emergency wasn't necessarily their emergency, because I can imagine there are a lot of other people out there who need the same help.”
While nearly all landlords are represented by an attorney at eviction hearings, fewer than 1% of tenants are represented, according to the William E. Morris Institute for Justice. Now, the city of Phoenix is looking at ways to make the program more accessible to more tenants by permanently funding it.
Click here to read the full article.
Maricopa County records highest number of eviction filings since 2005
Despite several months of record-breaking eviction filings, 2023 did not break the record for the number of eviction filings in a single year. The most eviction filings were in 2005, when there were 83,687. That's only 451 more eviction filings than 2023. According to Maricopa County Court data.
Click here to read the full article.
Arizona's 211 call center sees surge in calls for emergency housing
Communities across the state are struggling to help their growing and changing homeless population.
Arizona's population has only grown in the past five years, and despite millions of dollars being pumped into crisis relief, people still don't have access to the right resources.
Providers expect 211 It could serve as a one-stop call center connecting people to housing and homeless resources.
Click here to read the full article.
Watch 12News+ for free
The 12News+ app allows you to watch 12News content anytime, anywhere.
12News' free app, 12News+, allows users to stream daily news shows like “Today in AZ” and “12 News,” as well as live events, including the daily lifestyle show “Arizona Midday.” Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ delivers live video throughout the day, including breaking news, local news, weather forecasts and even Zen moments showcasing breathtaking views from across Arizona.
Users can also watch on-demand video including top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives.
Roku: Adding Channels from the Roku Store Or search “12 News KPNX.”
Amazon Fire TV: Search for “12 News KPNX” Find free 12News+ apps to add to your accountAlternatively, you can get the 12News+ app directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon App.
speed up
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel: Subscribe now.
