Eviction completions hit a 13-year high in Maricopa County, and help is still available

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) – Evictions are on the rise across Maricopa County, with more elderly, single mothers and young families being forced out of their homes because they can’t pay their rent.

“Crimes are going up, and they can’t afford more because there’s limited supply available in the community,” said Deborah Arteaga, executive director of the Tempe Community Action Agency, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people in need. “When they need to look for something more affordable, it’s just not there.”

For the third month in a row, eviction filings are up in Phoenix and the surrounding area. There were 6,685 eviction cases in September – the highest number in Maricopa County since 2008. “Foreclosures are actually higher now than they were a decade ago, so we’re not just looking at pre-pandemic numbers, we’re looking at historically high numbers,” said a Maricopa County Circuit Court judge. Anna Huberman.

According to community advocates, rising rents and a lack of affordable housing are significant reasons for the sudden evictions. Inflation doesn’t help either.

One of the keys to getting the eviction numbers down is getting them the help they need before they are evicted. “Communities like ours are trying to look at innovative solutions that will be implemented today, and a lot of that will focus on preventing evictions,” Arteaga said. “Whether it’s helping connect people with viable roommates, or looking outside the community for housing options, or helping employees get even better-paying jobs.”

Housing assistance is still available to tenants in need.

• For more information about the Maricopa County Assistance Program, click here.
• For more information about the City of Phoenix Assistance Program, click here.
• For more information about the City of Glendale’s assistance program, click here.
• For more information about the City of Mesa assistance program, click here.

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