In July, Phoenix experienced 31 days of record-setting 110-degree heat, and as the heat rose, Maricopa County filed the most eviction lawsuits since 2008.
More than 7,000 eviction cases were filed in July, with the highest numbers in North Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria, Ahwatukee, Tempe and West Phoenix. The average judgment for eviction cases in July was $3,179.24, said Scott Davis, a spokesman for the Maricopa County Justice Court.
“My electricity bill has doubled. It has always gone up, but never like this,” said Dominic Medina, co-executive director of Fuerte, which works on the “Rent Too High” initiative. told Arizona Mirror. “It shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone that something would lead to eviction.”
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Court filings reached just under 7,000 in June, a 27% increase compared to the average number of filings received by Maricopa County during the same period during the pandemic, according to reports. eviction lab. However, an eviction moratorium was implemented during the pandemic, suspending evictions for non-payment of rent due to COVID-19 related issues. These protections ended in his October 2020.
“People are being evicted because they can't pay increasing rents,” said Ken Volk, the association's president. Arizona Tenant Advocate.Rent prices in Arizona have skyrocketed. As much as 80% From 2016 to 2021 in some regions.
Not all eviction filings result in the tenant being evicted. Davis said up to one in three tenants would be fired if they chose to pay to stay, or if the landlord did not seek a court settlement.
For tenant advocates, the risk of eviction is a concern during the hot summer months.
“This is inhumane and the governor, legislators, cities and counties should respond at every level and do something about this,” Medina said. While many people who are evicted end up in new housing, the reality is that more evictions mean more people are left homeless and living on the streets, he added. .
Volk echoed Medina's sentiments, saying this is a “statewide concern.”
The solutions promoted by both proponents are: rent management. Democratic lawmakers pushed a series of bills in the recently concluded legislative session that would repeal Arizona's ban on the practice and cap rent increases across the state.
However, the bill was opposed by the state's powerful landlord lobby and was never considered.
“The real problem is that tenants can't afford to pay (rent). They're bleeding it dry and there's only so much people can do before they start living on the streets,” Volk said. . “What are the negative effects of state rent regulation?”
Lawmakers passed a bill that would eliminate rental taxes that cities and towns levy on rental properties. Signed by Governor Katie Hobbs, but Volk called it “crumbs”. Rental tax rates vary by city, but the average tax rate is 2.5%, or about $30 per month for about $1,200 in rent.
Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs has since sought to address the state's affordable housing crisis. early in her tenurebut was shy. Answer policy-related questions It has to do with her plans. State spokesperson Christian Slater similarly spoke about possible future actions when asked about the state's continued high eviction numbers and the push for measures such as rent control. I kept my mouth shut about it.
“As a former social worker, Governor Hobbs knows the importance of ensuring Arizonans have safe, secure and stable housing,” Slater said in a statement to the Mirror. “That's why she was able to pull off this historic negotiation.” $150 million investment Donated $60 million to the Housing Trust Fund tackle homelessness, has extended its emergency rental assistance program to help families pay for cooling costs. ”
“Going forward, she will address Arizona's housing crisis and make Arizona a great place to live, work, and raise a family by expanding the housing supply and providing affordable housing for middle-class families.” We are committed to fighting for housing for all,” Slater said. Miller's questions about what policies the governor supports. Mr Slater did not respond to a question from the Mirror about whether the governor supported or did not support some form of rent control.
with some relief in the form of tax and rent exemptions slightly decreased By the end of last year, renters may begin to feel some relief. But advocates remain concerned that homelessness is still on the rise in Arizona, especially in the Phoenix metropolitan area, where housing is unaffordable for many.
homeless in arizona 21% increase From 2020 to 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
“As more people are becoming homeless, we're going to have the same number of people coming into the zone,” Volk said. homeless encampment The city recently began clearing it near downtown Phoenix.
Asked what would happen if the state's heat, evictions and affordable housing problems continue, Volk was quick to respond:people die. It's a simple answer. ”
