Filing an eviction can be a complex and costly process, often misunderstood by landlords and property managers. While landlords may feel justified in pursuing eviction proceedings, understanding the overall cost, both monetary and otherwise, is crucial to making an informed decision. This blog dives into the expenses typically associated with filing an eviction, providing a clear picture of how much does it cost to file an eviction.
What Is the Eviction Process?
Before exploring the costs tied to eviction, it’s important to understand the steps involved. The eviction process varies depending on your jurisdiction, but it generally includes several essential stages. These steps often dictate the costs involved, so knowing them can help you make sense of the expenses.
Typically, the eviction process includes the following steps:
- Notifying the tenant of their violation (via a pay-or-quit notice or cure-or-quit notice).
- Filing the eviction lawsuit with the court.
- Attending court hearings to present your case.
- Carrying out the eviction order, often involving law enforcement to enforce the removal.
Each stage may come with its own financial obligations, such as fees for filing, legal assistance, and professional services. Understanding these costs upfront can help you better prepare and potentially avoid unnecessary expenses.
Filing Fees
One of the most visible and immediate expenses tied to an eviction is the court filing fee. When a landlord files a formal eviction case, they will need to pay a filing fee to the court. This cost can range from $50 to $500, depending on the state, city, or county in which the property is located.
For example, in some urban areas, landlords can expect higher filing fees due to the administrative workload associated with larger populations. Meanwhile, smaller or rural counties typically charge less. Make sure to review the fee schedule in your location to get an accurate estimate of this expense.
Process Serving Costs
After filing the lawsuit, you must serve the tenant with a formal notice or summons informing them of the eviction proceedings. Depending on where you live, this step may require hiring a process server or using a law enforcement officer to deliver the paperwork.
Process serving fees tend to differ by region, ranging between $30 and $150. Keep in mind that multiple attempts to serve the tenant or additional services, like certified mail, may incur extra charges. Ensuring this step is done correctly is crucial to avoiding delays or dismissals in court.
Attorney Fees
Navigating an eviction can be tricky without proper legal guidance, especially given how tenant protections have evolved in many states. For this reason, some landlords choose to hire an attorney to assist with the eviction process and represent them in court.
Attorney fees constitute one of the most substantial costs tied to eviction. Rates may vary significantly based on your location, the complexity of the case, and the experience of the attorney. Many lawyers charge an hourly rate, which can range from $150 to over $400 per hour. Others may offer flat-fee pricing for eviction cases, ranging from $500 to $1,500.
While professional legal assistance comes at a price, it can also prove invaluable in ensuring the case is handled properly and efficiently. Understand if this expense aligns with your budget and the gravity of your situation.
