Get Clarity on How Much an Eviction Costs for Smarter Planning

Evictions are a challenging and complex process, often accompanied by financial implications for all parties involved. Whether you are a landlord navigating the legal system or a tenant facing eviction, understanding the costs associated with this process is essential for making informed decisions and planning effectively. By breaking down the wide range of expenses that can come into play, this guide aims to shed light on what factors contribute to how much does an eviction cost and how to better manage them.

What Contributes to Eviction Costs?

Evictions are rarely as straightforward as sending a tenant notice and expecting a court ruling. From filing fees to legal expenses, the costs can pile up quickly, leading to a situation much more costly than anticipated. Below, we’ll highlight some of the main expense categories connected to evictions.

Filing Fees and Court Costs

The first step in the eviction process often involves filing a summons at court to begin legal proceedings. This comes with a filing fee, the amount of which varies by state or jurisdiction. For example, the cost in smaller jurisdictions may range between $50 and $100, while larger urban areas with higher demand could charge anywhere from $200 to $400 or more.

Beyond the filing cost, landlords often incur additional court administrative fees, especially if judgments have to be enforced. Extensions to hearings, documentation fees, and associated paperwork can all stack up quickly within the legal system.

Attorney Fees

While it is legally possible for landlords to represent themselves in eviction cases, most prefer the expertise of an attorney to ensure compliance with laws, timelines, and procedures. Retaining a lawyer almost inevitably adds fees to the process, often dependent upon hourly rates or case complexity. Legal representation fees for basic eviction cases may vary from $500 to $2,000 or more. However, more drawn-out or contentious cases may significantly escalate these costs.

Additionally, tenants may also seek legal advice or representation, further extending the eviction timeline while increasing legal expenses.

Property Turnover Costs

Once an eviction has concluded, property turnover costs can significantly impact your final budget. These expenses include repairing the property, cleaning the unit, and sometimes replacing fixtures or larger installations such as carpets or appliances.

The extent of these costs largely depends on how a tenant maintained the property before leaving. Minor cases might only involve cleaning fees and touch-up maintenance, but more extensive cases requiring renovations can result in thousands of dollars in added expenses.

Lost Rental Income

Arguably one of the largest financial burdens for landlords during the eviction process is the potential loss of rental income. Legal eviction cases are time-consuming; even in expedited cases, the process can take several months. Throughout this time, the unit in question generates no income for the landlord.

Some landlords face additional delays finding new tenants, particularly if property turnover requires a significant amount of time or expense. These combined losses can result in substantial income gaps for landlords, particularly those managing multiple properties.

Tenant Relocation Costs

Many jurisdictions have tenant protection laws requiring landlords to provide relocation assistance under specific circumstances. For instance, in some cases, landlords are legally obligated to compensate tenants for moving expenses, particularly in eviction situations related to specific lease-termination causes (e.g., renovations, illegal rentals, or re-zoning restrictions). These relocation fees can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on local regulations.