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Maricopa County points renters facing eviction for unpaid rent to Community Legal Services (CLS), which can provide legal information, case-specific advice or representation to eligible tenants. This is legal assistance, not a rental subsidy and not a website that guarantees an attorney will accept every case. MSN explains how this countywide referral differs from cash assistance and what information tenants should organize before contacting the legal provider.
Location: Maricopa County Category: Legal guidance and representation for renters facing nonpayment eviction Source reviewed: October 25, 2026
Who this program may serve
The county states that the service is available to Maricopa County tenants at risk of eviction due to nonpayment of rent, subject to the legal service provider’s eligibility and capacity. Unlike the county’s CAP rental and utility programs that exclude Phoenix, Mesa and Glendale, the county describes eviction legal assistance for Maricopa County residents broadly. Being served by the program is a legal-services determination rather than an automatic approval based solely on living in the county.
What help the agency describes
The official description includes information about tenant rights, landlord obligations and the eviction process; legal advice tailored to a tenant’s situation; and, for accepted cases, representation in discussions with landlords or proceedings in the relevant county Justice or Superior Court. Residents must distinguish this support from grants or direct payments that would clear past-due rent. Eligibility for legal representation and actual legal strategy should be established with the provider.
How to start with the official agency
Maricopa County instructs residents to contact Community Legal Services directly at 602-385-8880. Explain the rental address, nonpayment problem and whether any notice or court summons has already arrived. Keep the lease, recent notices, payment history and important court deadlines available when speaking with the provider. Only a qualified lawyer or the applicable court should advise you about legal responses and filing dates; do not miss a hearing while waiting for an appointment.
Why your city or county matters
Maricopa County also offers rental assistance to some residents outside Glendale, Mesa and Phoenix after a documented crisis and past-due rent. That is a financial benefit reviewed through a CAP office, not the same as legal representation. Some households may need both financial and legal help; contact each program using its own official process. The county courts publish additional public guidance on evictions that should not be confused with a substitute for legal advice.
Checklist before you apply
- Are you a renter living in Maricopa County and facing nonpayment eviction or its immediate risk?
- Have you contacted CLS directly at the number the county publishes?
- Do you have your lease, nonpayment notice and any court paperwork ready for the case review?
- Have you confirmed the deadline for responding to or appearing in any court case?
- If you also need money for rent, have you separately checked eligibility for the appropriate city or county rental-assistance program?
Official source and next action
Use the agency page to check the latest qualifications, whether applications are being accepted, required documents and the official submission route. MSN does not accept applications, request a Social Security number, or charge for access to these links.
Open official government program ↗Government source: https://www.maricopa.gov/5763/Legal-Assistance-for-Renters
Related government programs in Arizona
Different programs have distinct service areas, eligibility rules and application windows. These MSN guides help compare the right agency for your situation.
- Maricopa County Emergency Home Repairs: HVAC, Income and Service Area
- Phoenix Housing Repair Programs: City Boundaries and Household Assessment
- Phoenix Weatherization Assistance: Free Energy Improvements for Homeowners and Renters
- Maricopa County Utility Assistance: CAP Eligibility, Documents and Excluded Cities
Compare other assistance in your area
Local benefits differ by municipality, household circumstances, program funding and repair type. Search other verified programs on MSN before choosing the correct official agency to contact.
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