PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Even though average rents in the Phoenix area have slipped slightly since last year, eviction filings in Maricopa County remain near record levels, officials say.
According to Maricopa County Justice Courts, 84,000 evictions have been filed for so far in 2025. That’s just 4% less than the record of 87,310 filings, set in 2024.
Maricopa County Justice Courts officials say job instability and unemployment are driving most eviction cases this year.
“What I’m hearing a lot is that they’ve just lost their job,” Maricopa County Judge Leonore Driggs said. “Sometimes there’s been a glitch in the payment, or something’s happened at the bank, but it’s generally that they’re not employed.”
Despite an increase in rental supply that has helped push rents down, the Arizona Multihousing Association said 96% of landlord-tenant cases that go through justice courts are for nonpayment of rent. The association’s president, Courtney LeVinus, echoed concerns about housing affordability.
“We need more affordable housing in Arizona,” LeVinus said. “So that is why Arizona Multihousing Association is very focused on trying to identify rental assistance. We continue to work with our legislature.”
The organization offers options to help renters avoid eviction.
With so many residents struggling to pay rent, officials with both the courts and housing groups say a number of eviction-prevention resources are underused.
Officials urged renters facing trouble to seek help early, citing assistance programs and court-based diversion services as potential options.
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