Maricopa County breaks record for evictions over 9-month period

CHANDLER, AZ (AZFamily) — Maricopa County set a new record for the most eviction filings ever filed over the year’s first nine months.

The total number of cases filed from January to September was 65,651. The number is higher than the previous record in 2006 when 62,333 were filed. In 2023, there were about 61,473 filed in the nine-month period.

The Kyrene Justice Court is one of the busiest locations for eviction claims: over 450 cases were filed last month. The court covers parts of Tempe, Ahwatukee, and Guadalupe.

“It seems like they really have serious issues financially,” Kyrene Justice Court Judge Sharron Sauls said.

However, September’s eviction filings in Maricopa County dipped about 5% to 6% from August’s numbers.

There were a total of 7,537 cases compared to 7,957 in August.

In Arizona, you have a five-day grace period after your payment is due. If you don’t pay up in time, the landlord can then file for an eviction in court.

After a tenant appears in court, they have nearly a week to vacate before a constable can come and remove them from the property.

“It’s pretty quick in Arizona,” said Sauls.

As more people are being forced out, Sauls says there are resources to help. If you or someone you know is struggling, you can visit a number of resources on the Arizona Department of Housing website.

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