Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Arizona bill targeting unlawful occupants heads to governor's desk
The Arizona Legislature on Tuesday approved legislation intended to speed the removal of unlawful occupants from private property, sending the measure to the governor for consideration.
SB 1426, sponsored by Wendy Rogers, would create a process for property owners to remove people deemed unauthorized occupants from homes and other property.
Under the bill, unauthorized occupants include individuals who are not tenants, immediate family members or parties to an agreement with the property owner. The legislation also would allow courts to issue writs of restitution immediately after a judgment in qualifying cases, allowing owners to regain possession of property without delay.
The bill directs the Arizona Supreme Court to establish expedited procedures for resolving such cases while maintaining protections and remedies already provided under Arizona's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
"Private property rights are not a suggestion; they are a cornerstone of our freedoms," Rogers said in a statement. "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. That's just common sense. This bill has been years in the making, and we've worked tirelessly with stakeholders, lawmakers, and law enforcement to get it right. 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. SB 1426 cuts through the red tape, closes loopholes that have been exploited for too long, and puts homeowners back where they belong--in control of their property. I'm proud to see this legislation finally reach the governor's desk and hopeful she will sign it into law so Arizona families can receive the protections they deserve."
This report was written with the assistance of artificial intelligence.
SB 1426, sponsored by Wendy Rogers, would create a process for property owners to remove people deemed unauthorized occupants from homes and other property.
Under the bill, unauthorized occupants include individuals who are not tenants, immediate family members or parties to an agreement with the property owner. The legislation also would allow courts to issue writs of restitution immediately after a judgment in qualifying cases, allowing owners to regain possession of property without delay.
The bill directs the Arizona Supreme Court to establish expedited procedures for resolving such cases while maintaining protections and remedies already provided under Arizona's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
"Private property rights are not a suggestion; they are a cornerstone of our freedoms," Rogers said in a statement. "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. That's just common sense. This bill has been years in the making, and we've worked tirelessly with stakeholders, lawmakers, and law enforcement to get it right. 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. SB 1426 cuts through the red tape, closes loopholes that have been exploited for too long, and puts homeowners back where they belong--in control of their property. I'm proud to see this legislation finally reach the governor's desk and hopeful she will sign it into law so Arizona families can receive the protections they deserve."
This report was written with the assistance of artificial intelligence.
