Record-breaking evictions in February around the Phoenix metro, despite monthly decline
But cases decreased from January to February
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — February’s eviction data is in and although total cases dropped from January, Maricopa County said last month was the highest number of filings they’ve had in February ever.
This past month, landlords filed 7,070 eviction cases, which was 543 fewer than in January.
“We typically see filings fall in February and March and then a slow rise through the rest of the year until another drop in November,” said Justice Courts spokesman Scott Davis.
Data shows that filings were more prevalent in West Valley with larger justice precinct sizes and apartment complexes.
The average amount tenants must pay in their judgments sits at $3,201.16. The first time the average amount exceeded $3,000 was in 2021.
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Not every eviction filing or case results in a loss of housing.
“Judges will dismiss as many as one-third of these cases because either the tenant has paid the rent, the landlord has made a mistake in the process, or the landlord finds some other reason to not to pursue the eviction,” Davis said.
In 2024, Maricopa County broke a record for eviction filings with 87,197. The average judgment was $3,156.86.
County officials say the previous record was set in 2005 when the court system saw 83,687 eviction filings.
It is too early to tell if this year will break more eviction records.
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