06/03/2026
Arizona property owners finally have some new protection when it comes to squatters.
Gov. Katie Hobbs recently signed SB 1426, a new law aimed at making it easier for homeowners to remove unlawful occupants from residential property. The big headline? In qualifying cases, the process may move closer to 3 days instead of the roughly 19 days often associated with a traditional eviction process.
That is a big deal.
For owners, every extra day can mean lost rent, property damage, utility costs, legal fees, and a lot of stress.
The important distinction is this: the law is aimed at unauthorized occupants, not legitimate tenants. If someone has a lease, a prior agreement, or a real landlord-tenant relationship, normal tenant protections still apply.
For multifamily owners and investors, this is a good reminder to stay proactive:
- Check vacant units regularly
- Secure doors, windows, and access points
- Keep clear lease and occupancy records
- Act quickly when something looks wrong
- Talk with an attorney before taking legal action
Vacant units are part of owning rental property, but they also create risk. This new law may give Arizona owners a faster path to regain possession when someone has no legal right to be there.
If you own multifamily property in Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, Scottsdale, Glendale, or anywhere across Arizona, this is a law worth paying attention to.
https://phoenixmulti-family.com/blog/f/arizonas-new-anti-squatter-law
Why 3 Days vs. 19 Days Matters for Property Owners