Eviction Cost Calculator

Estimate total eviction cost including court fees, attorney, lost rent, and turnover.

$
Legal Approach
$

Total Estimated Cost

$14,050.00

Timeline

30-60 days

Cost Breakdown

Court filing fees$300.00
Attorney fees$3,000.00
Lost rent (past due)$3,000.00
Lost rent (during process)$2,250.00
Property damage$2,000.00
Unit turnover costs$3,500.00
Total$14,050.00

Use the Eviction Cost Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

How It Works

This Eviction Cost Calculator provides an estimate of the total financial burden associated with evicting a tenant, helping landlords make informed decisions and budget accordingly. Understanding these costs is crucial for financial planning, especially considering the potential for increasing court fees and attorney rates by 2026. This tool accounts for direct legal expenses, lost rental income, and the often-overlooked costs of preparing a property for a new tenant.

Our calculator uses a comprehensive formula that sums estimated court filing fees, process server fees, an average attorney's hourly rate multiplied by estimated hours, and a projected number of months of lost rent. Additionally, it incorporates an estimated cost for property turnover, including cleaning, minor repairs, and marketing. These values are then aggregated to provide a total estimated eviction cost.

Remember that these are estimates; actual costs can vary significantly based on the complexity of the case, tenant cooperation, and local regulations. A common mistake is underestimating the time an eviction can take, directly impacting lost rent. Always consult with a legal professional for precise cost projections and guidance.

Example: Evicting a tenant in California for non-payment of $2,000/month rent.

  1. 1 Input the monthly rent ($2,000), estimated court filing fees ($450), process server fees ($100), attorney hourly rate ($350), estimated attorney hours (15), estimated months of lost rent (3), and property turnover costs ($1,000).
  2. 2 The calculator will perform the following calculations: (Attorney Hourly Rate * Estimated Attorney Hours) + Court Filing Fees + Process Server Fees + (Monthly Rent * Estimated Months of Lost Rent) + Property Turnover Costs. This means: ($350 * 15) + $450 + $100 + ($2,000 * 3) + $1,000.
  3. 3 The estimated total eviction cost for this scenario is $11,300.
  4. 4 This $11,300 represents a significant financial impact, highlighting the importance of preventative measures and thorough tenant screening. This amount includes $5,250 in legal fees, $6,000 in lost rent, and $1,000 for preparing the unit for re-rental, demonstrating the multi-faceted nature of eviction expenses.

Source: CFPB — Owning a Home · Last updated: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to evict a tenant?
A typical eviction costs $3,500-$10,000 total when you include attorney fees ($500-$3,000), court costs ($50-$500), lost rent (1-3 months), and unit turnover costs.
How long does the eviction process take?
The eviction timeline varies by state from 2 weeks to 6 months. Most states require a 3-30 day notice period, then 2-8 weeks for court proceedings. Some jurisdictions have significant backlogs.
Can a landlord evict a tenant without going to court?
No. In all 50 states, landlords must go through the court system for a legal eviction. Self-help evictions (changing locks, shutting off utilities) are illegal and can result in the landlord paying damages to the tenant.