residential property; transient occupant; remedies

This Arizona bill establishes a legal framework for addressing individuals who unlawfully remain in residential properties after being asked to leave, defining them as "transient occupants." It allows property owners to request law enforcement to direct these individuals to surrender possession based on a sworn affidavit that verifies specific criteria, such as the lack of a lease, utility subscriptions, or exclusive living space. While failing to comply with such a directive can result in trespassing charges, the bill also creates a civil cause of action for wrongful removal if the eviction process is mishandled. Additionally, it sets rules for recovering personal belongings left behind, requiring owners to allow access within ten days unless there are safety concerns, and clarifies that the presence of leftover items does not extend a person's right to stay.