What to Know Before Going to Court

Eviction cases move quickly through the court system. If the tenant disagrees with the allegations of the landlord, the tenant is encouraged to file a written answer. The answer form, available from the appropriate Justice Court or online through Arizona TurboCourt, and allows the tenant to admit or deny the allegations and explain his or her position. If the tenant cannot afford to pay the answer fee, he or she may apply for a waiver or deferral of that fee. If a tenant believes that the landlord owes him or her money, the tenant may, under some circumstances file a counterclaim. The summons states that a trial will occur on the date listed, but due to the high volume of cases, a trial may not occur then. If the tenant fails to appear, and the landlord or their attorney is present, a judgment is entered against the tenant. Tenants can represent themselves or arrange for lawyers to represent them; the court does not provide a lawyer.