Evictions are a daunting process, often accompanied by emotional stress and financial considerations. If you’re a landlord or property manager contemplating an eviction, understanding the associated costs is crucial to ensuring a well-planned approach. While the expenses can vary significantly depending on jurisdiction, the type of property, and the circumstances around the eviction, it’s important to stay informed and budget appropriately. Here, we’ll explore the various how much does it cost to file an eviction and how landlords can better prepare for them.
Filing Fees and Court Costs
When initiating an eviction process, the first expense landlords typically encounter is the filing fee. This fee is required to file an eviction notice or lawsuit with the court in the jurisdiction where the property is located. Filing fees vary by state and local laws, ranging between $50 and $250 on average.
Additionally, there may be ancillary court fees, such as charges for processing paperwork or scheduling court hearings. If the eviction process extends to multiple hearings or requires additional legal steps, these costs can quickly add up.
Planning Tip: Research the specific filing fees in your local area to understand the baseline expense. This helps eliminate surprises and allows you to reserve the necessary funds ahead of time.
Legal Representation Costs
While landlords can represent themselves in court, many prefer hiring legal professionals to ensure compliance with local laws and to avoid procedural errors. Lawyer fees differ based on location, expertise, and the complexity of the case.
Standard legal fees for an eviction lawyer can vary widely but often fall between $500 and $5,000 or more, depending on the case. Complex evictions involving disputes, counterclaims, or damages may increase legal costs substantially. Attorneys are especially helpful for navigating complex eviction cases, ensuring that landlords follow proper legal procedures.
Planning Tip: Weigh the legal costs against the potential risks or complications of handling an eviction without representation. A simple case may not require a lawyer, but it’s always wise to seek initial legal advice to avoid costly mistakes.
Process Server and Notice Delivery Fees
Properly notifying tenants of their eviction is a critical step in the process. Landlords are often required by law to serve tenants with notice of eviction through a process server, sheriff’s department, or similar official channel. This ensures that the notice is legally delivered in accordance with state laws. Fees for process servers range between $50 and $150, with higher costs possible for urgent or hard-to-serve cases.
Planning Tip: Budget not only for the standard service fee but also for any additional attempts or alternative methods required to deliver the notice, should the tenant be evasive.
Lost Rent
A significant hidden cost of eviction arises from lost rental income. During the eviction process, tenants often stop paying rent, leaving landlords to shoulder the financial burden. Depending on the eviction timeline, which can range from a few weeks to several months, the loss in rent can be substantial.
For instance, if the monthly rent for a unit is $1,500, and the eviction process takes three months, the landlord loses $4,500 in revenue. Landlords should also account for the time it will likely take to replace the tenant once the eviction process is completed. This could add another month or two of lost rent.
Planning Tip: Establish an emergency fund equal to at least three months’ rent for each rental unit. This will help you cover any cash flow disruptions caused by an eviction or prolonged vacancies.
