Eviction Cost Calculator
Calculate the true cost of evicting a tenant. Includes legal fees, lost rent, property damage, and time costs. Compare against prevention strategies.
Evictions Are Expensive
The average eviction costs between $3,500-$8,500 and takes 2-4 months. This calculator helps you understand the full financial impact and compare against prevention strategies that typically cost only $300-$500.
Eviction Costs
🏠 Lost Rent
Typical: 1-3 months during eviction + vacancy
⚖️ Legal Fees
Range: $400-$1,500
Filing fees, service fees: $200-$500
Lockout, removal: $100-$300
🔨 Property Restoration
Range: $500-$2,000 typical
Deep cleaning, carpet, paint: $300-$800
📢 Re-rental Costs
Ads, showings, screening: $400-$1,000
Your Results
National Average average: $5,500
Timeline: 2-4 months
2 months × $0
Attorney + Court + Sheriff fees
Damage + Cleaning costs
Proper tenant screening and early intervention typically cost only $300-$500. You could save $3,395 by preventing this eviction.
Understanding Eviction Costs
Lost Rent
Usually the largest cost. Includes rent during eviction process (2-4 months) plus vacancy period while finding new tenant.
Legal Fees
Attorney fees ($400-$1,500), court filing fees ($200-$500), and sheriff execution costs ($100-$300).
Property Damage
Repairs ($500-$2,000), deep cleaning, carpet replacement, and painting to make property rent-ready again.
Eviction Timeline: What to Expect
Typical Eviction Timeline
Stage 1: Notice Period (3-30 days)
Stage 2: Filing Eviction (1-2 weeks)
Stage 3: Court Hearing (2-4 weeks wait)
Stage 4: Judgment (immediate)
Stage 5: Sheriff Eviction (1-4 weeks)
Stage 6: Property Turnover (1-2 weeks)
Total Time: 2-4 months typically (can be 6+ months in tenant-friendly states)
Eviction vs Prevention: The Smart Choice
💸 Cost of Eviction
- • $3,500-$8,500 total cost
- • 2-4 months timeline
- • Lost rent + legal fees + damage
- • Stress and time investment
- • Potential for tenant retaliation
- • Negative impact on credit (if reported)
✅ Cost of Prevention
- • $300-$500 total cost
- • Immediate action
- • Thorough tenant screening ($50-$75)
- • Background + credit checks ($30-$50)
- • Legal consultation ($100-$200)
- • Early intervention programs ($100-$150)
Eviction Costs by State
Why Costs Vary by State
Most Expensive States
California, New York, New Jersey have strong tenant protections, longer timelines, and higher legal fees.
Average: $7,000-$12,000
Mid-Range States
Illinois, Washington, Florida have balanced processes with moderate timelines and costs.
Average: $4,000-$6,000
Least Expensive States
Texas, Georgia, Tennessee have faster processes and lower legal requirements.
Average: $2,000-$3,500
How to Prevent Evictions
Thorough Screening
Verify income (3x rent), check credit (620+ score), contact previous landlords, and run background checks.
Early Communication
Contact tenants immediately on late payment. Offer payment plans before issues escalate.
Clear Lease Terms
Document all rules, late fees, and eviction procedures clearly in your lease agreement.
Payment Plans
Consider rent assistance programs, partial payments, or temporary payment plans during hardships.