Arizonans need more rental assistance, not taxpayer-funded paychecks for lawyers
Maricopa and Pima counties have spent nearly $7 million since 2021 hiring lawyers to defend renters in eviction court.
This effort, known as “right to counsel,” has gained popularity based on the belief that universal legal representation will reduce housing disruptions and homelessness. Provide a free defense in justice court to renters, the thinking goes, and fewer people will be evicted.
However, three years of data show what a misguided policy this is.
Data from Maricopa and Pima counties show taxpayer-funded legal counsel helped a total of 369 residents “win” eviction cases. The attorneys who defended these residents in court earned an average of $18,400 per renter whose case was won.
If that same taxpayer funding had been put into rental assistance, more than 2,100 residents could have stayed in their homes. That’s because the average household only owes about $3,200 in back rent, according to Maricopa County statistics.
It’s obvious which policy would help more people – financial support for renters, not lawyers.
Counties should redirect dollars to rental assistance
Thankfully, local and state governments built infrastructure nearly overnight during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide aid to renters across the state. Thousands of people who were out of work or sick kept their homes because of this swift action.
The same aid system can be used to help more people avoid eviction if cities and counties put funding currently budgeted for “right to counsel” into direct assistance.
Bill aims to expand rental aid statewide
State lawmakers also have the opportunity to improve the lives of thousands of renters through a bill introduced by Rep. Alma Hernandez and supported by the Arizona Multihousing Association.
House Bill 2882 would set up a permanent rental assistance program funded by taxes charged on building construction. The estimated $50 million per year could save nearly 16,000 renters from eviction.
This is a commonsense measure to effectively address Arizona’s affordable housing crisis and keep families living where they belong — safe at home.
Show your support for HB 2882 by contacting your state legislator at azleg.gov/findmylegislator.
