What is required to claim a homestead exemption in Arizona?

To claim a homestead exemption in Arizona, it is necessary for the homeowner to occupy the property as their principal residence. This requirement serves to distinguish between properties used as a primary home and those that might be used for investment, vacation, or rental purposes. The exemption is designed to protect the homeowner's primary residence from certain creditors and to provide tax benefits, thus emphasizing the need for the property in question to be the homeowner’s main place of living. This residency requirement ensures that the benefits are directed toward individuals who genuinely reside in the home rather than those who may own multiple properties.

The other options do not align with the criteria for claiming this exemption. For example, a rental property or a home owned for a specific duration does not qualify unless it is occupied as a principal residence. This focus on the personal use of the home is central to the intent of the homestead exemption in Arizona.