Mapping Maricopa County’s Eviction Crisis

In 2023, Maricopa County saw the most evictions filed since 2005. And 2024 is on track to surpass last year’s totals. Here’s 12News’ dive into evictions.

MARICOPA COUNTY, Ariz. — Maricopa County experienced an alarming rise in eviction filings in 2023, reaching numbers not seen since 2005. Early figures suggest that 2024 might exceed those troubling statistics.

It’s important to note that an eviction filing doesn’t automatically mean a tenant must vacate their residence. As the Justice Courts of Maricopa County clarify, some disputes are resolved outside of court. Alternatively, other cases do proceed through the court system.

Even after an eviction is filed, tenants can stave off losing their homes by paying overdue rent before a judicial decision is made. Some choose to move out preemptively. Factors like population growth also play a role in the spike in eviction filings.

12News has been diligently tracking monthly eviction statistics to provide critical insights into Maricopa County’s ongoing housing crisis.

In June, eviction cases increased by 2% compared to May. The Maricopa County Justice Courts registered 7,247 cases in June, marking an increment of 146 cases over the previous month.

One family, Ryan and Tahira Handeland, contested their eviction from Phoenix’s affordable housing. After living in Camelback Properties for six years, they received an immediate eviction notice related to requested repairs. They settled with the city recently. Ryan Handeland stated that the eviction seemed retaliatory, given the pending repair requests.

Phoenix is also contemplating a new right-to-counsel program to aid renters facing eviction. Approximately 1% of tenants have legal representation in court hearings, while most landlords do. Noelle Lewis, among many facing eviction, struggled to find prompt assistance through emergency programs when her rent increased beyond her capability to pay.

Despite several months of record-breaking filings, 2023 did not beat the 2005 record of 83,687 evictions. The county’s Justice Courts reported 451 fewer cases last year compared to 2005.

Arizona’s 211 call center has experienced a surge in calls related to emergency housing needs. Homelessness has been on the rise, despite significant financial investments in the crisis, often due to a disconnect between people and resources.

Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed Senate Bill 1129, which sought to allow immediate law enforcement intervention against squatters. The bill required property owners to provide a sworn affidavit against unauthorized occupants.

For further details and updates on this developing issue, visit ArizonaNews.org.