AZ HB2485

Courts must issue orders sealing all records in eviction cases when dismissing the action prior to judgment or entering judgment in favor of the tenant.

Sealed eviction records are accessible only to the affected tenant, parties or attorneys who appeared in the case, and the court or clerk's office, with a prohibition on selling or transferring sealed records to third parties.

The sealing requirement applies to all documents in eviction actions including complaints, pleadings, proof of service, court findings, orders, transcripts, and evidence.

Courts may also seal eviction case records when the landlord and tenant file a written stipulation together requesting dismissal and sealing of the case.

The law applies to all tenants whose eviction cases are dismissed or decided in their favor on or after the effective date of the act.