Phoenix (3TV/CBS 5) — New data shows Maricopa County is close to setting a new annual record for eviction filings. The number of eviction filings in 2023 was 83,236, just 451 fewer than 2005's record of 83,687 filings.
Officials confirmed more than 7,000 applications in December 2023, a decline compared to the record high in the fall. In August, the county had nearly 7,700 eviction filings, the third-highest number on record, and September had just surpassed 7,800. In 2005, a record year for eviction filings, the average judgment was $1,525, but officials previously said this year's average judgment was more than double that, at $3,172.68.
While not all eviction filings result in the loss of a home, officials advise tenants to be aware of ongoing trends. “Don't wait to apply for rental assistance. If you're about to fall behind on your rent, get help right away. Tell your landlord right away,” Maricopa County Justice Scott Davis previously told Arizona told families in the state. Maricopa County also says landlords may allow tenants to stay if they pay the arrears before a judge issues a judgment.
“We were two weeks late on rent. We're two weeks late on rent! And they sent us an eviction notice. We went to court and were evicted.” said Gordon Circle, who was ordered to do so. “There should be resources, because I've seen too many of my friends fall on the streets.”
“I don't see how anything can be different unless we do something different,” said Wildfire Arizona attorney Maxine Becker. “Keeping communication open with your landlord can be the difference between your landlord giving you a few days before giving you the check you need or not.”
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