Arizona courts bracing for surge of eviction cases after moratorium ends

PHOENIX — Arizona courts are readying for a high volume of eviction cases after a moratorium ends in late July.

Gov. Doug Ducey’s 120-day moratorium on the issue is set to expire on July 22, giving landlords an opportunity to file evictions with the courts. The moratorium was part of a Ducey executive order back in March.

With that in mind, a new administrative order has been issued in advance for the expected high volume of eviction cases.

As part of the new guidance put in place Tuesday, Arizona courts are instructed not to have more than 25 hearings in an hour and should allow sufficient time for those communicating telephonically.

Additionally, the order asks judges to liberally grant continuances and make accommodations, if necessary and possible, for those with business before the courts who are unable to participate in a proceeding due to the pandemic.

Nationally, U.S. Census data shows about 19% of renters were late or deferred their rent payments in May. And about 31% of renters surveyed in June said they have little to no confidence they will be able to pay next month’s rent.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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