An inside look at how eviction proceedings work in Arizona

Eviction filings are at record highs in Maricopa County, and 2025 is setting up to be more of the same.

On Jan. 24, we took our cameras inside an eviction court to see how the process works.

Ironically, eviction courtrooms are empty for a reason

Arizona has some of the strictest and quickest eviction laws in the nation, and cases at eviction court involve landlords who are trying to earn their money, and tenants trying to stay off the streets, in many cases.

By the numbers:

In 2024 alone, there were more than 87,000 cases in Maricopa County, and one might think that courtrooms dealing with eviction cases would have a lot of people.

Ironically, the courtrooms are rather empty, with just the judge and an assistant seen in person. That's because most of the cases are done virtually.

A majority of cases are over unpaid rent, and past the point of no return. Since 30% of tenants are no-shows, things can move quickly.

What they're saying:

"For me, it’s most important to be empathetic, and realize these people are dealing with the worst days of their lives," said Judge Rebecca Rios. "So, whatever you can do to assist them."

Dig deeper:

One of the cases the court dealt with on Friday involved Barbara Land.

"Ever since I’ve been living in that place before all this started, I’ve had no problems," Land said.

Land lives in a senior facility, and officials there accuse her of harassing other residents. Officials with the facility even have witnesses to back up their case.

"Next thing you know, I’m hearing a ‘bang bang bang,’ waking me up out of my sleep, disturbing me and everything, and this is an ongoing process," said one of the witnesses.

The judge ultimately, ordered an eviction and back rent. Now, Land has less than two weeks to move out.

"I’m just gonna get my stuff and get out of there, 'cause if I don’t, it’s gonna be more problems," Land said.

By the time eviction cases get to court there’s not much the judge can do. Judge Rios caps Attorneys fees at $300, and tells tenants where to get legal advice, but that’s about it.

Her best advice: deal with the landlord before the case goes to court.

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