Eviction is expensive for both landlords and tenants.
Landlords lose rent, legal fees, and property value, while tenants face debt, credit damage, and difficulty finding housing.
Here’s a full breakdown of the financial toll of eviction and who pays the price.
1. Financial Costs for Landlords
Evicting a tenant can cost thousands in legal expenses, lost rent, and property damage.
Landlord Eviction Expenses
Lost Rent & Income (Varies by Rent Amount & Duration)
- Missed payments – A tenant who stops paying rent can cost landlords thousands.
- Vacancy loss – After eviction, landlords often face 1-3 months of lost rent while finding a new tenant.
💰 Estimated Loss: $1,000 – $10,000+
Court & Legal Fees ($500 – $5,000+)
- Filing fees – Cost to initiate an eviction case.
- Attorney fees – Lawyers charge $200-$500 per hour if the case is contested.
- Process server fees – Required to legally serve eviction notices.
💰 Estimated Cost: $500 – $5,000+
Sheriff or Law Enforcement Eviction Costs ($50 – $400+)
- Writ of Possession – Fees to have law enforcement remove a tenant.
- Locksmith fees – Changing locks after eviction.
💰 Estimated Cost: $50 – $400+
Property Damage & Repairs ($500 – $10,000+)
- Cleaning & repairs – Trash, broken fixtures, holes in walls, and damaged floors.
- Pest control – Infestations due to neglect (roaches, rodents, bedbugs).
💰 Estimated Cost: $500 – $10,000+
Advertising & Tenant Screening Costs ($200 – $1,500+)
- Listing the property online.
- Hiring a property management company.
- Running background & credit checks on new tenants.
💰 Estimated Cost: $200 – $1,500+
Total Estimated Cost for Landlords: $3,000 – $20,000+
Eviction is often a financial disaster for landlords, especially if a tenant drags out the process.
Reducing Risk: Landlords can screen tenants carefully, enforce lease agreements, and act quickly to minimize losses.
2. Financial Costs for Tenants
Being evicted can destroy a tenant’s finances, credit, and housing future.
Tenant Eviction Expenses
Back Rent & Late Fees (Varies by Lease Balance)
- Tenants remain responsible for unpaid rent.
- Landlords can sue for the remaining lease balance.
💰 Estimated Cost: $1,000 – $10,000+
Court Costs & Legal Fees ($200 – $3,000+)
- Filing fees to challenge eviction.
- Attorney fees if hiring a lawyer.
- Appeal costs if contesting eviction.
💰 Estimated Cost: $200 – $3,000+
Moving Costs ($500 – $3,500+)
- Hiring movers or renting a truck.
- Security deposit for a new rental.
- First & last month’s rent at a new place.
💰 Estimated Cost: $500 – $3,500+
Credit Score Damage (Long-Term Financial Impact)
- Evictions stay on credit reports for up to 7 years.
- Credit scores can drop by 100+ points.
- Makes it harder to rent again in the future.
💰 Long-Term Impact: Higher interest rates on loans & credit cards.
Wage Garnishment & Debt Collection ($1,000 – $15,000+)
- Landlords can collect unpaid rent through wage garnishment.
- Debt collection agencies may aggressively pursue payments.
💰 Estimated Cost: $1,000 – $15,000+
Total Estimated Cost for Tenants: $2,000 – $20,000+
Avoiding Eviction: Tenants can try to negotiate payment plans or seek rental assistance to stay afloat.
3. Hidden & Long-Term Costs of Eviction
Beyond immediate expenses, eviction creates long-term financial challenges.
Hidden Costs for Landlords:
- Legal delays – Court backlogs slow the process.
- Tenant revenge – Angry tenants may damage the unit before leaving.
- Lost property value – Eviction records can make a property less desirable to future renters.
Hidden Costs for Tenants:
- Rental blacklisting – Many landlords share eviction records, making future rentals difficult.
- Higher security deposits – Future landlords may require extra upfront payments.
- Homelessness risk – Some tenants end up in shelters after an eviction.
Eviction isn’t just expensive—it can destroy financial stability for years.
Whenever possible, landlords and tenants should try to resolve issues before eviction becomes necessary.
Final Takeaway: Eviction is Costly for Both Sides
Landlords lose thousands in legal fees, lost rent, and property damage.
Tenants face financial ruin, bad credit, and difficulty finding housing.
Average Eviction Costs:
- Landlords: $3,000 – $20,000+ (Legal fees, lost rent, repairs).
- Tenants: $2,000 – $20,000+ (Back rent, moving costs, credit damage).
Eviction is financially damaging for everyone—avoiding it is the best outcome.
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