PHOENIX — Over 7,900 eviction cases were filed in Maricopa County during the month of October, the most cases filed in a single month in this century, The Maricopa County Justice Courts said.
Landlords brought 7,948 eviction complaints to the 26 court precincts in the county. The last time Maricopa County saw this many evictions in a single month was in 2005. This year is also on track to have the highest number of eviction cases filed since 2008.
As of Nov. 2, 2023 already surpassed the number of eviction cases filed in 2022 – a record high of 67,491 cases filed after the 2020 record low of 36,187 cases filed – and the year is not over.
The number of eviction complaints isn’t the only thing increasing – so is the average judgment in an eviction case. In 2005 – which had over 83,000 cases filed over the course of the year – the average judgment was $1,525.51. In 2023, the average judgment is $3,172.68.
It is important to note that eviction cases filed are not the same as evictions that occurred – just because a case was filed does not mean a person was evicted.
A tenant may pay the late rent owed, work out an agreement with a landlord to stay, or an agreement is worked out that the tenant leaves without the landlord following through with the eviction – all of which happen outside the courtroom, according to MCJC. About one third of cases filed involve resolutions made between tenant and landlord, without the court’s involvement, MCJC said.
If a tenant does not pay the late rent owed and does not reach an agreement with the landlord, then the tenant has five days to move after a judgment is imposed. At this stage, a tenant and landlord may also work out a resolution outside the courtroom.
If the tenant still does not leave the property, the landlord can get a Write of Resolution, which is an order to tell the constable to escort the tenant out of the unit.
MCJC said about one third of cases filed go to the “writ stage:” the stage in which a tenant loses their housing.
Watch 12News+ for free
You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12News+ app!
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives.
Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX."
Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account, or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.