Governor Katie Hobbs has signed SB1426, legislation sponsored by Wendy Rogers that strengthens Arizona’s protections for homeowners and property owners facing unlawful occupants, commonly known as squatters.
The new law comes amid growing concerns nationwide about individuals occupying homes without permission and exploiting legal loopholes to delay removal. In some states, property owners have been forced into lengthy and expensive court battles simply to regain possession of their own homes.
Arizona has not been immune to these concerns. Constituents across the state shared stories with Senator Rogers about unauthorized occupants remaining in properties for extended periods while owners faced legal hurdles, lost rental income, property damage, and mounting costs.
Determined to address the problem, Senator Rogers introduced SB1426 to clarify Arizona law and provide property owners with a faster, more effective process for removing unlawful occupants. The legislation establishes clear standards for determining when someone is an unauthorized occupant and allows courts to move more quickly in qualifying cases. It also directs the Arizona Supreme Court to develop expedited procedures while preserving existing protections for lawful tenants under Arizona’s landlord-tenant laws.
The bill received bipartisan support in the Legislature, reflecting broad agreement that homeowners should not be forced to endure lengthy delays when dealing with individuals who have no legal right to occupy their property.
Supporters argued that the measure restores balance to the legal process by protecting one of the most fundamental rights in American law: the right to control and enjoy one’s own property. Arizona Senate Republicans described the bill as an important step toward protecting homeowners from a growing national squatting problem.
With Governor Hobbs’ signature, SB1426 is now law and provides Arizona property owners with stronger protections against unlawful occupancy while maintaining safeguards for legitimate tenants.
The enactment of SB1426 marks one of Senator Rogers’ most significant property-rights victories of the legislative session and delivers on her commitment to stand up for homeowners, landlords, and Arizona families.