Not Legal Advice.This navigator provides information and guidance only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal advice, contact Community Legal Services or visit azcourthelp.org.
Maricopa County · Arizona Justice Court
Navigate the eviction process with clarity and dignity.
Step-by-step guidance through Arizona's eviction process — built for advocates and tenants in Maricopa County's 26 Justice Court precincts.
84,833
Cases Filed 2025
7,123
Filed Dec 2025
$3,229
Avg Judgment 2025
26
Justice Court Precincts
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Advocate Navigator
Structured intake, notice defect analysis, stage assessment, and a full output package for case prep.
Justice courts have jurisdiction up to $10,000. Amounts over $10,000 belong in Superior Court.
Step 2 of 5 · Advocate Flow
Notice Review & Defect Check
Notice defects can be a defense. Document everything now. Defects do not automatically dismiss a case, but they may require the landlord to re-serve and restart the clock.
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From MCJC: Before most eviction cases may be filed, the landlord must give the tenant notice stating what the problem is and what can be done to fix it. If it is not remedied within the given time, the landlord may then file. Source: justicecourts.maricopa.gov →
Service Method
Notice Content Validity — Check each item that IS correct on the notice
🔍 Defect Flags — Investigate Each
Step 3 of 5 · Advocate Flow
Tenant Situation & Defenses
Gather facts to identify potential defenses and urgency factors. Check all that apply.
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Important — Arizona does not allow rent strikes. Under no circumstances should a tenant withhold rent because a landlord isn't making repairs. That is illegal in Arizona and a judge must, in nearly every case, evict a tenant who does this. There are other remedies — see the MCJC Obligations & Remedies page.
Tenancy & Lease Status
Potential Defenses — Check all that may apply
Urgency & Risk Flags
Step 4 of 5 · Advocate Flow
Stage Analysis & Timeline
Case stage based on information entered. Review carefully before generating the output package.
Step 5 of 5 · Advocate Flow
Advocate Output Package
Complete the checklists, then print or save as PDF for the case file.
Answer a few questions. We'll explain your situation in plain language and show you exactly what to do next. Takes about 2 minutes.
You don't need to know legal words to use this. Just tell us what happened. This is not legal advice — it's a guide to help you understand where you are and what you can do. It's free.
Check the notice paper — there should be a date on it.
Find this on your Summons. It may say "Return Date" or "Hearing Date."
We'll explain this step by step, in plain language. Legal words are explained when they come up.
Step 3 of 4
What to do right now
Start at the top. The steps marked in red are the most urgent.
Step 4 of 4
Your Summary
Print or save this page. Bring it to your hearing or share it with an advocate.
Find a Housing Stability Legal Advocate
A trusted directory of Certified Community Legal Advocates (CCLAs) serving Maricopa County. These advocates are trained to help tenants understand their rights, navigate the eviction process, and connect to resources.
What a Housing Stability Legal Advocate Can Help With
Understanding eviction notices and timelines
Preparing for court or mediation
Communicating with landlords
Requesting repairs or addressing habitability issues
Navigating rental assistance programs
Supporting manufactured home residents
Safety planning and crisis navigation
Connecting to community resources
Not sure which advocate is right for you?
Use the JustUS Navigator intake tool to get matched based on your city, housing situation, timeline, and language needs.