There are few situations as stressful for property owners and landlords as dealing with an eviction. Whether it’s due to unpaid rent, property damage, or other violations of a lease agreement, the eviction process can be emotionally and financially draining. One of the most common concerns, especially for first-time landlords or property investors, is understanding the true cost of evicting someone from a home.
Evictions are not just about asking how much does it cost to evict someone from your home. They involve a complex legal process filled with time-sensitive paperwork, court hearings, and sometimes enforcement assistance. All of these steps add up to significant expenses that landlords should anticipate and prepare for.
This guide takes a detailed look at the different costs associated with eviction, breaking them down step by step to provide a clear picture of the financial commitment involved.
The Eviction Filing Process
The first step in any eviction is filing the appropriate documentation with your local court. Filing this paperwork officially begins the legal process of removing a tenant from your property.
Court fees can vary greatly depending on your state or jurisdiction. On average, filing fees for an eviction typically range between $50 and $300. This fee is necessary to submit the eviction case to the court and ensure it is scheduled for review. It is crucial to check the cost of eviction filing specific to your location, as some jurisdictions have higher administrative or legal charges.
Service of Notice
Before proceeding to court, property owners are required to notify the tenant about their intent to file an eviction. This is accomplished by serving the tenant an official notice, such as a “Pay or Quit” or “Notice to Cure” letter.
While some landlords choose to handle service notifications themselves, it’s often safer and more effective to hire a professional process server. The cost of hiring a process server is typically between $50 and $100, depending on distance and urgency. Additionally, this ensures the notice is delivered legally and cannot be challenged.
Failure to notify the tenant properly can delay the eviction process or even cause the case to be dismissed, adding unnecessary costs.
Legal Representation
If the case goes to court, many landlords opt to retain a lawyer to handle the proceedings. While some experienced landlords might represent themselves, many choose legal representation to ensure the eviction paperwork and presentation are flawless.
The cost of hiring an attorney for an eviction ranges from $500 to $5,000, depending on the complexity of the case, lawyer fees, and the amount of preparation involved. Uncontested evictions tend to be less expensive, but disputes, counterclaims, or cases involving discrimination allegations can quickly escalate in cost.
Legal fees are a necessary expenditure for landlords looking to avoid significant delays or costly mistakes during the court process.
Lockout Fees and Enforcement
Even if the court rules in your favor and grants an eviction order, the process isn’t complete. If the tenant refuses to vacate the property, you’ll need to arrange for law enforcement, often a sheriff or marshal, to carry out the eviction.
Enforcement fees vary depending on the local laws and the specific enforcement agency. These fees usually fall between $150 and $400. Additionally, you may need to hire a locksmith to ensure that locks are changed as the final step of the eviction process. Locksmith fees can range from $100 to $200.