{"id":371553,"date":"2016-03-31T21:34:22","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:34:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/arizona-law\/arizona-homestead-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-06-01T16:24:33","modified_gmt":"2026-06-01T21:24:33","slug":"arizona-homestead-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/arizona-law\/arizona-homestead-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Arizona Homestead Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Arizona Homestead Laws<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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The Arizona <\/span>homestead exemption<\/span> law<\/span> automatically protects a homeowner<\/span>\u2019s equity in their primary residence<\/span> from forced sale<\/span> in the event of a bankruptcy or other financial hardship. The homestead exemption<\/span> applies to all primary residences<\/span>, including houses, condominiums<\/span>, and mobile homes<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Arizona <\/span>homestead exemption<\/span> protects a homeowner<\/span>\u2019s equity, but it doesn\u2019t apply in all situations. It does not protect your home from foreclosure<\/span>, and may not prevent a tax seizure or HOA lien. If you have more than one property, you may need to designate one as a primary residence<\/span> in a bankruptcy.<\/p>\n

Arizona <\/span>homeowners<\/span> considering bankruptcy should consult an attorney<\/a>\u00a0to help them designate their homestead property<\/span>. This article reviews the basics of Arizona\u2019s homestead laws.<\/p>\n

Overview of Arizona Homestead Law<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Under the Arizona Revised Statutes<\/span> (ARS<\/span>), property is automatically protected under the homestead law<\/a>. Homeowners<\/span> no longer need to file a declaration of homestead<\/span>. The automatic exemption applies to one property per person or married couple<\/span>. The exemption covers houses, condos, mobile homes<\/span>, and similar real property<\/span>.<\/p>\n

The law protects the home\u2019s equity<\/span> up to $425,200 as of 2025. The amount changes annually for inflation. A 2026 law<\/a> grants a full tax exemption to 100% disabled veterans and their spouses.<\/p>\n

The homestead protection<\/span> applies to any Arizona resident<\/span> over the age of 18. The federal bankruptcy provision may require longer ownership of the property than residency.<\/p>\n

Qualifying Properties and Limitations<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Arizona\u2019s homestead law protects equity, so there are no limits on the type of property or its use. Farms, ranches, and rural properties are covered as long as they are the primary residence<\/span> and comprise a compact body of land. Very large commercial agricultural operations may differ.<\/p>\n

Owners may live away from the property for up to two years without losing the homestead exemption<\/span>. If the owner wishes to abandon the property, they may transfer the deed, file a declaration of abandonment or waiver<\/span>, or permanently leave the state.<\/p>\n

Exceptions to the Homestead Law<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Arizona\u2019s homestead law will not protect homeowners<\/span> against all types of debt collection actions. Judgment creditors<\/span> can reach past the homestead exemption<\/span> for:<\/p>\n