Arizona Enacts Faster Process for Evicting Squatters

PHOENIX—Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs has signed legislation aimed at speeding up the removal of squatters from private property, giving homeowners a faster path to reclaiming their homes.

SB 1426, sponsored by state Sen. Wendy Rogers, creates an expedited process for removing unauthorized occupants and resolving squatter disputes. Hobbs signed the measure on May 29.

“If someone breaks into your home, moves into your property, and refuses to leave, the law should stand with the homeowner, not the unlawful occupant,” Rogers said in a statement. “That’s just common sense.”

Under the law, an unauthorized occupant is someone who is not a tenant, immediate family member, or otherwise authorized by the property owner. 

The measure also classifies as unauthorized occupancy situations in which a person remains on a property after a tenancy has ended and the occupant has been ordered to leave.

The law further applies to individuals who enter a residential property unlawfully and refuse to surrender possession within five days after receiving a written demand from the rightful occupant.

Covered properties must be residential in nature and not open to the public at the time of entry, according to the bill.

SB 1426 allows courts to issue writs of restitution immediately after judgment in qualifying cases, reducing delays that can prevent owners from regaining possession of their property. 

The measure also directs the Arizona Supreme Court to establish expedited procedures for handling such disputes while maintaining protections and remedies provided under Arizona’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.

“This bill has been years in the making, and we’ve worked tirelessly with stakeholders, lawmakers, and law enforcement to get it right,” Rogers said.

“The overwhelming support we’ve received, including from members of law enforcement who deal with these situations firsthand, shows just how badly these reforms are needed. Arizonans shouldn’t have to spend months fighting to reclaim property they already own.”

Rogers said the legislation cuts red tape, closes loopholes that have long been exploited, and restores control of private property to homeowners.

The issue has drawn attention amid concerns about adverse possession laws. 

According to property management software company Innago, Arizona law allows squatters to seek ownership rights through adverse possession. 

The required period of occupation ranges from two to 10 years, depending on factors such as payment of property taxes and whether the occupant holds color of title.

“Property owners must follow a formal eviction process or file a quiet title action to remove squatters and challenge adverse possession claims,” the company states.

“Although successful adverse possession claims are rare, landlords should act quickly and stay alert to avoid potential legal battles.”