Arizona homeowners will soon have a faster path to removing unauthorized occupants from their properties under a new law signed by Gov. Katie Hobbs.
Senate Bill 1426, which received bipartisan support in the Legislature, is designed to streamline the process for removing so-called squatters from residential properties. Supporters say the measure addresses situations in which individuals occupy homes without permission, often leaving property owners facing lengthy legal battles to regain control of their residences.
Under the new law, courts can issue a forcible detainer—a legal mechanism used to recover possession of a property—when specific conditions are met. Among those requirements are that the occupant does not have a valid lease, is not an immediate family member of the property owner, has no verbal agreement allowing them to stay and is not already involved in a related legal dispute with the owner.
The legislation outlines nine criteria that must be satisfied before the expedited process can be used. It also directs the Arizona Supreme Court to prioritize these cases and accelerate proceedings once a judgment has been entered against an unauthorized occupant.
Supporters of the bill argued that the changes were necessary to address cases in which homeowners have struggled to remove people unlawfully occupying their properties. During discussions surrounding the legislation, Arizona real estate agent D’Andrea Turner described a lengthy ordeal in which she said squatters took over her home, causing extensive damage and forcing her into a prolonged legal fight to regain ownership.
Backers of the measure emphasized that the law does not alter existing protections for lawful tenants. State Sen. Wendy Rogers, the bill’s sponsor, said the legislation is aimed specifically at unauthorized occupants and not individuals who have legitimate rental agreements or permission to reside on a property.
Law enforcement officials also voiced support, saying the new procedures could significantly reduce the time required to remove squatters. In some cases, property owners may be able to recover their homes within days rather than waiting weeks for legal proceedings to unfold.
The law is scheduled to take effect 90 days after the Arizona Legislature adjourns for the year.
