Maricopa County eviction filings climb again in May. Here's why

Metro Phoenix landlords moved to evict almost 550 more renters in May than in April.

Last month, 6,892 eviction actions were filed, according to the Maricopa County Justice Courts. That compares with 6,350 in April and 5,823 in March.

Evictions fell during the pandemic due to state and national moratoriums but have been climbing most months since last summer.

May’s eviction filing count is higher than any month during 2019, the highest year for Valley evictions since the Great Recession.

Higher rents are shutting the door on many renters whose incomes aren’t keeping up.

Some Valley apartment complexes with high eviction counts used to be among the area’s most affordable. But many complexes were purchased during the past few years by out-of-state investors that quickly hiked rents.

The tenants hardest hit include single moms, seniors and veterans, say housing advocates.

More renters appear to be fighting to keep their homes. The number of tenants showing up to appeal their cases is up.

Almost 65% of renters attended their eviction hearings in May 2019. Last month, 85% of tenants showed up for hearings.

“We are seeing record numbers of tenants actually attending their eviction hearings, thanks largely to our move to hold these proceedings via phone and video rather than requiring them to come to the courthouse,” said courts spokesperson Scott Davis.

Reach the reporter at catherine.reagor@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-8040. Follow her on Twitter @CatherineReagor.

Coverage of housing insecurity on azcentral.com and in The Arizona Republic is supported by a grant from the Arizona Community Foundation.