News Summary
Eviction filings in Phoenix Valley have surged to 7,029 in June, marking a worrying trend for residents. The first half of 2025 recorded 41,162 filings, second highest in 25 years. The West Valley is the most affected region, with major apartment complexes like Biltmore on the Lake leading in cases. Despite some dismissals, a significant number of renters are burdened by housing costs, prompting calls for greater awareness and support.
Phoenix, Arizona – Eviction filings in the Phoenix Valley have surged, recording a total of 7,029 filings in June 2025, marking it as the second-highest number for June in the past five years and the fourth highest in the last 25 years. This spike brings the total number of eviction filings for the first half of 2025 to 41,162, making it the second-highest year-to-date total after a record-breaking year in 2024.
The annual record for total eviction filings in the Valley was previously set at 87,130 in 2024. Historical data shows that the highest eviction rates previously recorded coincided with the Great Recession, reflecting economic hardships that often lead to increased housing instability.
The current increase in eviction filings aligns with the expected seasonal patterns observed in previous years, where filings typically peak in late summer. Geographically, the West Valley regions have been mostly affected, with the Country Meadows justice court—covering Glendale, West Phoenix, and Avondale—reporting the highest number of year-to-date filings. Other courts ranking in total eviction filings include the Kyrene Justice Court in Tempe and Ahwatukee, which hold second and third places, respectively.
Analysis of specific apartment complexes reveals that five properties in West Phoenix collectively account for a significant number of eviction cases. The leading property, Biltmore on the Lake in North Phoenix, has seen 108 eviction filings, followed closely by Solara Apartments on Indian School with 106 filings, The Cove Apartments with 98 filings, and Rise Encore and Rise at Estrella Park with 78 and 77 filings, respectively. These higher figures at larger apartment complexes underscore the trend that affordability remains an issue for many renters in the area.
It is important to note that not all eviction filings result in loss of housing; approximately one-third of cases are dismissed due to payments or agreements reached before a verdict. This statistic highlights the importance of communication and negotiation between tenants and landlords. Furthermore, in February 2025, Maricopa County recorded a peak with 7,070 eviction filings, alongside an average judgment amount of $3,201.16, a figure that exceeded $3,000 for the first time since 2021.
In 2024, a total of 87,197 eviction filings were recorded, surpassing the previous record set in 2005. The average judgment amount for eviction cases that year was $3,156.86, reflecting a decrease of approximately $300 from the prior year. As housing prices remain a concern, current data indicates that nearly 55% of metro Phoenix renters are classified as “cost-burdened,” which means they pay over 30% of their income on rent. Alarmingly, around 26% of these renters are spending more than half their income on housing expenses.
Despite the high eviction filings, the past two years have seen a slight decline in rental prices following significant hikes from 2020 to 2022. Additionally, a change in the law allows for the sealing of eviction cases under certain conditions, specifically when tenants manage to pay their overdue rent before a judgment is issued.
Legal experts indicate that the challenges facing renters whose cases lead to eviction are profound. According to court officials, financial hardship is often not a valid defense in eviction cases, underscoring the difficulties involved for those at risk of losing their homes. In this climate of increased eviction filings, a need for heightened awareness and support for renters is more critical than ever.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Maricopa County Faces Unprecedented Rental Eviction Crisis
Rising Eviction Rates in Phoenix Raise Alarm
Additional Resources
- ABC15 News
- Wikipedia: Eviction
- AZ Family
- Google Search: Eviction Laws
- AZ Central
- Google Scholar: Eviction Rates
- KTAR News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing Law
- Wall Street Journal
- Google News: Maricopa County Evictions
