This bill proposes several updates to the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, specifically amending sections related to the process of eviction and settlement conferences. Currently, when a complaint for forcible entry or detainer is filed, summons must be issued by the next judicial day. The bill modifies this requirement by stating that summons shall not be issued later than the next judicial day, and it introduces a mandatory settlement conference for cases involving material breaches of lease or failure to pay rent, to be scheduled five days after the eviction notice is served. The bill also specifies that if either party fails to appear at the conference, there are consequences such as case dismissal or default judgment.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the reinstatement of rental agreements in cases of unpaid rent or lease breaches, stipulating that the rental agreement can be reinstated if the tenant pays all past due rent and associated fees before a special detainer action is filed. It also emphasizes the court's role in scheduling mandatory settlement conferences and tracking their outcomes, which is a new requirement. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the eviction process and encourage resolution through settlement conferences before proceeding to court hearings.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 12-1175, 33-1368, 33-1377, 33-1341, 13-1102, 13-1103, 13-1104, 13-1105, 13-3211, 13-105, 13-2308, 13-3451, 13-1202, 13-1203, 12-991, 12-1181, 33-1370