Home › Landlords › Arizona › Maricopa County

Maricopa County Eviction Court — Landlord Filing Guide (2025)

Everything Arizona landlords need to file a Special Detainer (Eviction) in Maricopa County — fees, courthouse info, timeline, and step-by-step process.

$75
Filing fee
2–3 weeks
Hearing wait
3–5 weeks
Total process
E-File ✓
Filing method

🏛️ Maricopa County Courthouse Information

⚠️ Maricopa County — What Landlords Should Know

Maricopa County (Phoenix) has one of the highest eviction filing volumes in the US. Arizona is landlord-friendly.

Need an Eviction Attorney in Maricopa County?

Procedural mistakes can get your case dismissed. Get matched with a local Maricopa County eviction attorney — free consultation.

Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in Maricopa County

1

Serve the Required Notice

Before filing, you must serve a written notice. For non-payment of rent, a 5-day Pay or Quit notice is required. For lease violations, serve a 10-day Cure or Quit notice. Make sure the notice is properly formatted and personally served or posted per Arizona law.

2

File Your Special Detainer (Eviction) at Maricopa County Superior Court

After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Maricopa County Superior Court (201 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85003). The filing fee is $75. Bring: your lease agreement, the notice, and proof of service. Online filing is also available at https://efiling.clerkofcourt.maricopa.gov.

3

Serve the Summons on the Tenant

After filing, the court issues a summons. In Maricopa County, service is typically handled by the Sheriff's office or a licensed process server for a fee of $30. You must NOT serve the summons yourself — improper service can get your case dismissed.

4

Attend the Court Hearing

Hearings in Maricopa County are typically scheduled 2–3 weeks after filing. Attend with all documentation: lease, notices, payment records, and proof of service. If the tenant doesn't appear, you may receive a default judgment. Come prepared to present your case clearly.

5

Obtain and Enforce the Writ of Possession

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the clerk. The Arizona Sheriff's office will serve the writ and oversee removal if the tenant refuses to leave voluntarily. Do NOT change locks or remove property yourself — this constitutes illegal self-help eviction in Arizona.

Maricopa County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown

Cost Amount Notes
Court Filing Fee $75 Paid to Maricopa County Clerk of Court
Summons Service $30 Sheriff or process server fee
Writ of Possession ~$26–$30 Sheriff enforcement after judgment
Attorney (optional) $400–$1500 Recommended for contested cases

Frequently Asked Questions — Maricopa County Evictions

How long does an eviction take in Maricopa County?

The typical Maricopa County eviction takes 3–5 weeks from serving the initial notice to enforcement — assuming the tenant does not contest. A contested eviction can take significantly longer. Maricopa County is generally considered a landlord-friendly jurisdiction.

How much does it cost to file an eviction in Maricopa County?

The court filing fee in Maricopa County is $75. Additional costs typically include: process service or sheriff fee ($30), Writ of Possession enforcement (~$26–$30), and attorney fees if represented ($400–$1500). Total out-of-pocket without an attorney is typically $131–$135.

What court handles evictions in Maricopa County?

Evictions in Maricopa County are filed at the Maricopa County Superior Court, located at 201 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85003. The case type is filed as a Special Detainer (Eviction).

Can I file an eviction online in Maricopa County?

Yes, Maricopa County accepts electronic filing for eviction cases through https://efiling.clerkofcourt.maricopa.gov. You can file the complaint and pay fees online, though in-person service of process is still typically required.

Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant in Maricopa County?

Arizona law allows landlords to represent themselves in eviction court. However, having an attorney reduces the risk of procedural dismissals and improves outcomes, especially in contested cases.

What happens if the tenant doesn't leave after the eviction judgment in Maricopa County?

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The Maricopa County Sheriff's office will then execute the writ — notifying the tenant to vacate, and physically removing them if they refuse. Do NOT attempt to remove the tenant yourself; self-help eviction is illegal in Arizona.

See full Arizona eviction laws and notice requirements.

Arizona Eviction Guide for Landlords →

Download the eviction notice you must serve before filing in Arizona.

Arizona Eviction Notice Templates →

Is your tenant facing eviction in Maricopa County? See their rights.

Tenant Rights in Maricopa County →

Relevant Arizona Statutes