Evictions are events nobody looks forward to. Whether you’re a landlord dealing with a problematic tenant or a property manager needing to recover a unit, how much does an eviction cost comes with significant financial implications. While the focus tends to be on removing the tenant, it is crucial to understand the cost behind eviction and plan your budget accordingly.
Evictions aren’t just about unpaid rent or overdue fees; they come with legal, administrative, and property-related expenses that can add up quickly. This blog will break down the key costs associated with evictions and provide insights into how you can plan smartly for these inevitable situations without straining your finances.
Understanding the Direct Costs of an Eviction
The legalities and logistics of evicting a tenant often carry unavoidable expenses. Here are the direct costs you can expect when initiating the eviction process.
Filing Fees for Court Proceedings
When issuing an eviction notice, one of the first steps is filing the case through the court, which typically requires a filing fee. The cost of this varies by jurisdiction but usually falls within the range of $50 to $500. It is an essential step as the legal system must approve actions like repossessing the property.
Lawyer or Legal Service Costs
Although some landlords opt for a DIY approach, hiring legal representation can significantly streamline the process. Lawyers or legal representatives help ensure that the eviction complies with local laws, minimizing errors that could lead to delays. Legal fees may range from $200 to $1,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the case and the location.
Process Server Fees
After filing the eviction, serving the tenant with a legal notice is mandatory. Process service fees are required for this step since the tenant must be formally notified. These costs typically range from $50 to $150.
Hidden Costs You Shouldn’t Overlook
While the above-mentioned costs are noticeable and relatively easy to plan for, several hidden expenses can also come into play.
Lost Rental Income
When a tenant stops paying rent, landlords can face a significant dent in their cash flow. The average eviction process can take anywhere from several weeks to months, meaning lost rental income can amount to thousands of dollars. For instance, if your property’s monthly rent is $1,500, delayed evictions could mean a $4,500 loss over a three-month period.
Property Damages
Evictions can sometimes lead to malicious damage or neglect of the property. Broken windows, damaged appliances, or graffiti can require costly repairs before the unit is rentable again. Such damages can range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars. These expenses are often a rude wake-up call for those inexperienced in property management.
Property Vacancy Expenses
A vacant property doesn’t just mean no rent income; there are also costs associated with maintaining the property during turnover. From lawn care and utilities to advertising the vacancy, these expenses can add up over the weeks or months it takes to secure a new tenant.
Post Eviction Cleaning and Maintenance
Once the eviction is finalized, turning the property over to a new tenant involves additional costs.
Cleaning Costs
A thorough deep clean is typically necessary to ensure the property is ready for new occupants. Hiring professional cleaning services can cost between $200 and $400, depending on the unit’s size and condition.
Lock Replacement
Changing the locks is a wise security precaution after an eviction. Locksmithing fees for replacing locks range from $100 to $300, depending on the complexity and type of locks used.
