Many landlords consider handling evictions themselves to avoid the high cost of legal representation. Do-it-yourself (DIY) evictions can save money on attorney fees, but they are not without costs. Even without hiring a lawyer, landlords still face a variety of legal and administrative expenses during how much are legal fees for eviction. Understanding the typical costs of a DIY eviction can help landlords decide whether this route is right for them.
Court filing fees
One of the unavoidable costs in any eviction case, whether DIY or lawyer-assisted, is the court filing fee. This is the fee paid to the court when submitting an eviction complaint. Depending on the jurisdiction, this cost generally ranges from $50 to $500. In many areas, the average filing fee is between $100 and $250.
The court fee structure may vary depending on the size of the claim or whether the landlord is evicting multiple tenants from a single property. Some courts also charge separate fees for motions, hearings, or additional filings required during the case.
Process server or sheriff fees
After filing the eviction complaint, the landlord must legally serve the tenant with court papers. This step usually requires a certified process server or a county sheriff. These professionals charge for their services, typically ranging from $40 to $150, depending on the location and the urgency of the delivery. Some jurisdictions allow landlords to serve notices themselves, but improper service can result in case dismissal.
Document preparation and printing
Although the forms for evictions are often available for free from court websites or local housing departments, landlords may need to pay for document preparation if they are unsure how to complete the paperwork correctly. Online legal services and eviction form providers usually charge between $20 and $100 for access to templates or automated filing tools.
In addition, printing, copying, and notarizing documents may add another $10 to $50 to the overall cost, especially if the landlord needs to prepare multiple copies for the court, the tenant, and personal records.
Lost rent and time
While not a direct legal fee, the time a landlord spends handling a DIY eviction is an important cost to consider. Filing paperwork, preparing for court, attending hearings, and managing communications with tenants can take up many hours. During this time, the landlord may also be losing rental income, especially if the tenant has stopped paying rent or is damaging the property.
The eviction process can take several weeks or even months, depending on how quickly the court schedules a hearing and whether the tenant contests the eviction. A delay in removing a non-paying tenant could result in the loss of thousands of dollars in potential rent.
Risks of DIY mistakes
A major risk of DIY evictions is the potential for legal errors. Eviction laws are strict, and even small mistakes in notice delivery, documentation, or courtroom procedures can cause the case to be dismissed. This may require starting the process over, resulting in additional filing and service fees, along with more time lost.
Final thoughts
DIY eviction cases can cost between $200 and $1,000, depending on the jurisdiction, service fees, and any third-party document assistance. While avoiding attorney fees can save money, landlords should be prepared to invest time and handle all legal procedures carefully. In some cases, especially those involving difficult tenants or legal complications, the cost of a mistake may outweigh the savings of handling the eviction alone.