1. Understand What Kind of Notice You Received

The first step is to read the notice carefully. Look for the reason your landlord is asking you to leave, the date the notice was delivered, and any deadline listed. Arizona law has different notice requirements depending on the situation.

Five-day notice for unpaid rent

If your landlord says you have not paid rent, Arizona law generally requires a written five-day notice explaining that the rental agreement may be terminated if the amount owed is not paid within five days after the notice is given.

Paying the amount required within the notice period may prevent the landlord from filing an eviction case. If a court case has already been filed, different payment requirements apply.

Notices for other lease violations

A landlord may also begin the eviction process because of an alleged lease violation.

For example:

• A health and safety violation may generally involve a five-day notice.
• Certain other material lease violations may involve a ten-day notice.
• Some serious or legally defined violations may allow a different notice process.

The rules depend on the type of violation and the circumstances. Do not assume every eviction notice gives you the same amount of time.

Court papers are different from a landlord's notice

If you receive a summons and complaint, your landlord has filed an eviction case in court. These documents usually include information about the hearing, the allegations, and where the case was filed.

Do not ignore court papers, even if you believe the eviction is unfair or you are trying to arrange payment. The hearing may happen quickly, and missing it can affect your ability to remain in the home.

You can review the Arizona Judicial Branch's landlord and tenant eviction information for an overview of the process.

2. Take These Steps as Soon as Possible

When housing is at risk, it can be difficult to know what to do first. Focus on the steps that may help protect your options.

Step 1: Save every document

Keep copies of your lease, eviction notice, rent statements, payment receipts, emails, text messages, and any communication with your landlord.

If you believe the amount listed is incorrect, gather proof of payments and request a written account of what the landlord says you owe.

Step 2: Contact your landlord in writing

If you feel comfortable doing so, contact your landlord or property manager as soon as possible.

Explain your situation and ask whether a payment arrangement, additional time, or another resolution is possible. Be specific about what you can realistically pay and when.

Keep the conversation professional and save all responses. A verbal agreement can be difficult to prove later, so ask for any agreement to be put in writing.

Remember that a payment arrangement is not guaranteed, and you should not assume that a conversation with your landlord pauses a court deadline.

Step 3: Contact legal aid

If you have received an eviction notice or court papers, contact a tenant legal aid organization as soon as possible.

A legal professional may help you understand:

• Whether the notice follows Arizona requirements.
• Whether the amount claimed is accurate.
• What deadlines apply to your case.
• Whether you may have a legal defense.
• What options may be available before or during the court process.

Do not wait until your hearing date to ask for help.

Step 4: Apply for rental assistance

If unpaid rent is the reason for the eviction, look into emergency rental assistance and community organizations that may help with housing costs.

Some programs have income requirements, residency restrictions, application deadlines, or limited funding. Contact the organization directly to confirm whether applications are being accepted.

Step 5: Make a backup housing plan

Even while exploring ways to remain in your home, consider what you would do if you had to relocate.

Think about temporary housing with trusted family or friends, emergency shelters, transportation, storage, and the needs of children, older adults, or pets.

Making a backup plan does not mean giving up. It gives you more time to prepare if the situation changes.

3. Where to Find Free or Low-Cost Legal Help in Arizona

Understanding your rights during an eviction can be difficult, especially when you are under pressure. These organizations may help eligible Arizona residents understand their options.

Community Legal Services

Community Legal Services provides legal assistance to eligible residents in parts of Arizona, including Maricopa County.

Maricopa County also lists a legal assistance program for eligible tenants facing eviction due to unpaid rent. Community Legal Services can be reached at 602-385-8880 for that program.

Visit the Maricopa County Legal Assistance for Renters page for eligibility information.

Southern Arizona Legal Aid

Southern Arizona Legal Aid assists eligible residents with certain civil legal issues, including housing-related matters.

Call 1-800-248-6789 to ask about available assistance and eligibility.

Pima County Emergency Eviction Legal Services

Tenants in Pima County who are facing an eviction case may be eligible for help through the county's Emergency Eviction Legal Services program.

The program offers qualifying tenants legal assistance and navigators who can help connect them with other community resources.

Visit Pima County Legal Help to learn more.

City of Phoenix Eviction Legal Services Program

The City of Phoenix offers an Eviction Legal Services Program for qualifying residents experiencing an eviction crisis. Depending on eligibility and the circumstances, assistance may include legal representation, mediation, or post-eviction services.

Visit the City of Phoenix Eviction Legal Services Program for current requirements and application information.

Important: Legal aid programs may have limited capacity and specific eligibility rules. Contact them as soon as possible, and do not assume that submitting an application automatically postpones a court hearing.

4. Explore Emergency Rental Assistance

If you are behind on rent, financial assistance may help you address the amount owed or prevent your housing situation from becoming more difficult.

Arizona has rental assistance information through the Department of Housing and other state and local agencies. Available programs can vary by county and city.

Arizona Department of Economic Security Rental Assistance

The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) provides information about rental assistance programs and how renters may find help.

Visit the Arizona Rental Assistance and Eviction Prevention Programs page to review available information and application options.

County and city assistance programs

Some Arizona counties and cities operate their own rental assistance or eviction prevention programs. The programs may serve only residents within specific geographic areas.

The Arizona Department of Housing maintains a directory of local resources, including programs serving Maricopa and Pima counties.

Visit Arizona's Rental Assistance and Eviction Prevention Resources to find information for your area.

Community Action Agencies

Community Action Agencies may offer emergency financial assistance, including help with rent or utilities, depending on available funding and eligibility.

Visit the Arizona Department of Housing's Community Action Agency directory to find organizations serving your county.

When contacting an assistance program, ask:

• Are applications currently open?
• Do you help people who have already received an eviction notice?
• Can you assist with past-due rent or court-related housing costs?
• What income and residency requirements apply?
• How long does the application process take?
• Can you provide written confirmation if assistance is approved?

Do not assume an application will stop an eviction case. Continue responding to notices and court deadlines while waiting for an answer.

5. What Happens If Your Eviction Goes to Court?

If your landlord files an eviction case, you will generally receive a summons and complaint explaining the case and providing information about the initial court appearance.

Arizona eviction cases move quickly. Your hearing date may be much sooner than you expect.

Here are a few important things to understand.

Attend your scheduled hearing

Make every effort to attend the hearing on the date and time listed on your court papers. If you do not appear, the court may enter a judgment against you.

Arrive early, bring your documents, and be prepared to explain your situation clearly.

Bring supporting records

Organize any documents that may help explain your side of the case, such as:

• Your lease and any written agreements.
• Rent receipts and payment confirmations.
• Copies of notices from your landlord.
• Emails and text messages about payments or lease issues.
• Photographs or other records related to the dispute.
• Documentation showing any rental assistance application or approved payment arrangement.

Ask about your options

You may be able to explain your position orally in court or submit a written answer, depending on the court's instructions and the circumstances of your case.

If you believe the landlord made an error, did not provide proper notice, or is claiming an incorrect amount, explain your concerns and provide supporting information.

The judge will consider the case and determine the outcome. If you are unsure what to say or how to respond, seek legal help before the hearing whenever possible.

Understand what happens after a judgment

If the court enters an eviction judgment against you, that does not mean you should ignore the next steps.

In many cases, the landlord must obtain a writ of restitution before legally recovering possession of the property. Arizona law generally provides a five-day waiting period after judgment before the writ may be issued, although exceptions can apply.

The timeline can be different depending on the case. Ask the court or a qualified legal professional what the judgment means and what deadlines apply to you.

You can find official forms and explanations through the Arizona Judicial Branch.

6. What If You Have Already Been Evicted or Need Somewhere to Stay?

Sometimes, despite taking steps to resolve the situation, a person may still lose their housing. If that happens, there are organizations that can help you look for temporary shelter, housing support, and basic necessities.

Call 2-1-1 Arizona

2-1-1 Arizona connects residents with local community resources.

You can ask about:

• Emergency shelters.
• Temporary housing.
• Rental and utility assistance.
• Food banks and meal programs.
• Transportation assistance.
• Family and community support services.

Contact local shelters and housing organizations

Shelter availability can change, and some programs have eligibility requirements or waiting lists. Contact organizations directly to ask about current openings and intake procedures.

If you have children, are a senior, have a disability, or are experiencing another urgent circumstance, mention that when requesting help. Some organizations provide services for specific populations.

Protect important belongings and documents

If you need to relocate quickly, prioritize essential items such as identification, medications, financial records, medical documents, important phone numbers, and items needed by children or dependents.

If you are concerned about retrieving your belongings after an eviction, ask a legal aid organization or the appropriate court about your rights and the procedures that apply. Do not assume you can return to the property after possession has been legally transferred.

7. Important Things to Avoid During an Eviction

When you are under financial and emotional pressure, it is easy to make decisions that may create additional problems. Keep these points in mind:

• Do not ignore notices or court papers. Missing a deadline or hearing can affect your options.
• Do not assume a verbal agreement changes the court timeline. Get payment arrangements and extensions in writing.
• Do not stop paying rent without understanding the legal consequences. Arizona has specific procedures for repair and habitability disputes. Simply withholding rent can put your housing at further risk.
• Do not assume rental assistance will arrive before your deadline. Continue taking steps to respond to the eviction case.
• Be careful with anyone promising guaranteed eviction prevention. Verify organizations, fees, and services before sharing personal or financial information.
• Do not wait until the last minute to seek help. Legal aid and rental assistance programs may need time to review your situation.

You Do Not Have to Navigate an Eviction Alone

Facing eviction can affect more than your housing. It can create stress for your entire household, disrupt work and school, and make it difficult to plan for the future.

If you are in this situation, focus on what you can do today. Read your notice, save your records, contact legal aid, and explore assistance programs in your area. If you have court papers, pay close attention to the hearing date and any instructions from the court.



At Call Christina Now, we believe people deserve access to information, support, and resources when life becomes difficult. Asking for help is a meaningful first step toward finding a way forward.