Arizona (AZ) eviction guide
Quick answer
To evict a tenant in Arizona, serve the correct written notice (5 days for nonpayment, 10 days for lease violations), file an eviction complaint at Justice Court, attend a hearing scheduled 3 to 6 days after filing, and obtain a judgment. If the tenant does not leave, the court issues a writ of restitution and the sheriff removes them. The full process typically takes 3 to 6 weeks from first notice to lockout.
| Legal grounds | Nonpayment of rent, lease violation, illegal activity, holdover tenancy |
|---|---|
| Minimum notice | 5 days (nonpayment of rent) |
| Where to file | Justice Court (or Superior Court for complex cases) |
| Filing fee | About $35 to $220 depending on court and county |
| Typical timeframe | 3 to 6 weeks notice to lockout |
Required for unpaid rent; tenant has 5 calendar days to pay in full or vacate before the landlord can file in court (ARS 33-1368(B)).
Used for material lease violations not involving rent; tenant has 10 days to cure the breach or move out (ARS 33-1368(A)).
Applies when a tenant's conduct materially affects health or safety; tenant gets 5 days to remedy the condition or vacate (ARS 33-1368(A)).
Used for irreparable breaches such as illegal weapon discharge, gang activity, or drug manufacturing; no cure period is allowed (ARS 33-1368(A)).
| Step | Timeframe | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Serve the Written Notice | 5 to 30 days | Deliver the correct notice type in writing; the clock starts the day after the tenant receives it. |
| 2. File an Eviction Complaint | 1 to 2 days | File a complaint (forcible detainer action) at the local Justice Court and pay the filing fee, which is about $35 in Justice Court. |
| 3. Serve the Summons on the Tenant | At least 2 days before hearing | A licensed process server or constable must personally deliver the summons; service by mail alone is not sufficient. |
| 4. Attend the Court Hearing | 3 to 6 days after filing | The judge hears both sides; bring the lease, notice copies, and any payment records as evidence. |
| 5. Receive the Judgment | Same day as hearing | If the landlord wins, the judge enters a judgment for possession; the tenant typically has 5 days to vacate voluntarily. |
| 6. Enforce the Writ of Restitution | 5 days after judgment (or 12 to 24 hours for illegal activity) | If the tenant remains, the court issues a writ of restitution and the sheriff or constable physically removes them. |
Filing an eviction in Arizona Justice Court costs about $35, while Superior Court filings run around $218; additional costs include roughly $50 to $100 for process server fees and a constable or sheriff fee to execute the writ of restitution. Total out-of-pocket for an uncontested eviction is typically $100 to $400, though a contested case with an attorney can reach $1,500 or more.
After winning a judgment, the landlord waits 5 days (or as little as 12 hours for illegal-activity cases) before the court issues a writ of restitution. The sheriff or constable executes the writ by physically removing the tenant and their belongings. Self-help eviction (changing locks, removing doors, shutting off utilities) is illegal in Arizona and exposes the landlord to damages of two months' rent or twice actual damages, whichever is greater.
General information, not legal advice. Governing statute: ARS Title 33, Chapter 10 (Residential Landlord and Tenant Act), primarily ARS 33-1368. Self-help eviction is illegal everywhere; always follow the court process.
Arizona eviction FAQ
Most Arizona evictions take **3 to 6 weeks** from the initial notice to the sheriff executing the writ. An uncontested nonpayment case can close in as few as **9 days** if the tenant does not respond, while contested cases or appeals can push the timeline past **60 days**.
Expect to spend **$100 to $400** for an uncontested eviction: about $35 to file in Justice Court, $50 to $100 for a process server, and a small constable fee to enforce the writ. If you hire an eviction attorney, fees typically add **$500 to $1,500** on top of court costs.
No. Arizona law requires a court order before a tenant can be removed. Cutting off utilities, changing locks, or removing the tenant's belongings without a writ is illegal self-help eviction and can result in the landlord paying the tenant **two months' rent or twice the actual damages**.
The landlord must serve a written **5-Day Notice to Pay or Quit** under ARS 33-1368(B). All 5 days are calendar days (weekends and holidays count), and the count starts the day after the tenant receives the notice.
A tenant can file an appeal or move to stay the writ, but they generally must post a bond equal to the amount owed. Paying all past-due rent and fees before judgment is entered is the most reliable way to halt the proceeding, but once judgment is final the tenant's options are limited.
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