What Is The True Cost of Evicting a Tenant?

When it comes to determining the actual cost of evicting a tenant, the numbers will vary based on your situation and location

Depending on where your rental property is located and how far along you are in the process, the range could be a few hundred bucks to thousands of dollars—which is why most landlords like to avoid evictions at all costs.

However, it may be necessary for legal reasons to remove a tenant that is causing an issue. One common misconception when it comes to evicting a tenant is that landlords cannot resort to their own means of eviction. Most state laws are extremely strict when it comes to the laws of eviction. 

So, what is the true cost of an eviction?

Well, there is quite a bit to consider in this situation. Landlords who have run into an eviction situation now realize how important the tenant screening process is.

For example, if you end up with a poor tenant in your rental home, you may be dealing with some of the following issues and expenses:

  • Missed rent payments
  • Cleaning fees
  • Repairing damaged property
  • Filing fees and court costs
  • Any other legal aid necessary

During the case of an eviction, it’s vital to work together with your team & legal experts to ensure any eviction proceedings are done correctly. Additionally, strengthening your tenant screening process is beneficial to avoid the situation altogether.

To avoid any legal trouble when dealing with an already poor situation, it’s important to know your rights as well as your limits as a landlord. With that, however, there are some common situations that typically call for eviction. 

Some of the most common reasons for landlords to pursue eviction include:

  • Continuous non-payment of rent
  • Lease violations by the tenant 
  • The tenant is holding over past agreed upon lease
  • The property is being sold
  • The property is being renovated
  • There are damages to the property inflicted by the tenant

With that said, it’s not that easy to actually follow through with the eviction process. In fact, most landlords avoid this if they can. However, when evictions are necessary, it’s extremely vital to carry them out properly and professionally according to state and local laws. 

Eviction Mistakes Some Landlords Make

To avoid any further legal issues when it comes to eviction, both landlords and rental management companies should be aware of the legal process that comes with eviction proceedings. For example, landlords should never attempt to self-evict by doing any of the following:

  • Changing locks on the rental property
  • Moving the tenant’s property
  • Harassing the tenant until they move

Other common eviction mistakes that landlords may make while attempting to get rid of a difficult tenant may include:

  • Not giving the tenant proper notice
  • No evidence to support his or her claim
  • The tenant is withholding rent for good reason
  • Evicting the tenant for discriminatory reasons

To get a tenant evicted from your property, you must provide detailed documentation that proves non-payment of rent or notes other lease violations. After that, the next steps are to be granted possession, file a Writ of Restitution, and finally schedule an eviction through the US Marshal Service.

How Landlords Can Avoid An Eviction

Although the eviction process doesn’t sound too difficult when reading about it, it’s something that most landlords try to avoid at all costs. Those who want to avoid a lengthy and unrewarding court battle may offer an alternative option to tenants that they want to vacate from the property. For example, instead of the legal eviction process, landlords may offer an incentive, like cash for keys. 

Offering “cash for keys” is a pretty simple concept and a way for landlords to secure their property back and get bad tenants out. In some cases, tenants are willing to admit that they’re in the wrong and also want to avoid legal fines, so they’ll comply with an alternative like “cash for keys”. 

With that, if a tenant is struggling to pay rent for legitimate reasons, you could always offer them assistance or point them toward a new housing option. As a rental property owner, you may have resources or knowledge of other rental properties available. 

Contact Your Local Experts

No landlord wants to go through the dreadful process of an eviction. 

Before immediately resorting to eviction, consider working with your tenant to work out a peaceful agreement, or even offer them assistance in getting a new place. It’s also vital to read up on the eviction laws in your area to avoid legal trouble.

However, if you are at your wit’s end with a certain tenant and you want to avoid legal fees and endless court dates for the eviction process, contact experts in your area (your legal counsel, local property managers, etc) who can help guide you through the situation.

Calculate the Cost of Evicting a Tenant | Template

Use this template to calculate the total cost of evicting a tenant!

Eviction FactorYour Cost/Expenses
Missed rent payments
Repairs for damaged property
Filing fees & court costs
Legal fees
Cost of your time spent on the process
Vacancy time & rent before next tenant

To calculate the true cost of evicting a tenant, you’ll need to factor in how many missed rent payments your tenant has, your local court fees, and any damage done to the rental property. Get a free printable eviction notice here.

Additionally, your eviction process also incurs hidden expenses after you finally remove the tenant, as now you are dealing with a vacant property not producing rent.

Note: This content is not intended to substitute, replace, or be construed as professional legal advice. It is for referential purposes only and not meant to replace the advice of your legal counsel, legal representation, and or lawyer. Please consult your professional legal representation or lawyer to ensure your eviction notice letter is compliant with any local, state, and/or federal laws.