Eviction Cost Estimate Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the eviction cost estimate calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Use the Eviction Cost Estimate Calculator

Formulas Used

Total Eviction Cost

total_eviction_cost = net_cost

Gross Cost Before Deposit

gross_before_deposit = gross_cost

Total Lost Rent

total_lost_rent = lost_rent

Total Legal Costs

total_legal = legal_total

Total Damage & Repair

total_damage = damage_total

Security Deposit Offset

deposit_offset = security_deposit

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
monthly_rentMonthly Rent(USD)1800
months_unpaidMonths of Unpaid Rent2
legal_feesAttorney Fees(USD)1500
court_costsCourt Filing & Service Costs(USD)400
eviction_process_monthsEviction Process Duration (months)2
property_damageEstimated Property Damage(USD)3000
make_ready_costMake-Ready After Eviction(USD)2000
security_depositSecurity Deposit Held(USD)1800
lost_rentDerived value= monthly_rent * (months_unpaid + eviction_process_months)calculated
legal_totalDerived value= legal_fees + court_costscalculated
damage_totalDerived value= property_damage + make_ready_costcalculated
gross_costDerived value= lost_rent + legal_total + damage_totalcalculated
net_costDerived value= gross_cost - security_depositcalculated

How It Works

The True Cost of Eviction

Eviction is one of the most expensive events a landlord can face. The total cost goes far beyond just the lost rent and legal fees.

Cost Components

  • Lost rent: Includes months of non-payment before and during the eviction process
  • Legal fees: Attorney fees, which vary widely by complexity and location
  • Court costs: Filing fees, process server fees, and related expenses
  • Property damage: Damage beyond normal wear and tear, often significant in eviction situations
  • Turnover costs: Cleaning, painting, repairs to return the unit to market condition

    • Timeline

    The eviction process typically takes 2-6 months depending on jurisdiction: 1. Notice period (3-30 days) 2. Court filing and hearing (2-4 weeks) 3. Judgment and writ of possession (1-4 weeks) 4. Sheriff lockout (1-2 weeks)

    Prevention is Cheaper Than Cure

    Thorough tenant screening, clear lease terms, and prompt action at the first sign of non-payment are the best defenses against costly evictions.

    Worked Example

    $1,800/month rent, 2 months unpaid before filing, 2-month eviction process, $1,500 attorney fees, $400 court costs, $3,000 property damage, $2,000 make-ready, $1,800 security deposit.

    monthly_rent = 1800months_unpaid = 2legal_fees = 1500court_costs = 400eviction_process_months = 2property_damage = 3000make_ready_cost = 2000security_deposit = 1800
    1. 01Lost rent: $1,800 x (2 + 2) = $7,200
    2. 02Legal costs: $1,500 + $400 = $1,900
    3. 03Damage & repairs: $3,000 + $2,000 = $5,000
    4. 04Gross cost: $7,200 + $1,900 + $5,000 = $14,100
    5. 05Net cost after deposit: $14,100 - $1,800 = $12,300

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How long does an eviction take?

    The timeline varies widely by state and county. In tenant-friendly states like New York or California, evictions can take 3-6 months or longer. In landlord-friendly states, the process may be completed in 3-6 weeks. Court backlogs can extend any timeline.

    Can I recover the costs from the tenant?

    You can obtain a money judgment against the tenant, but collecting on it is often difficult. Many evicted tenants have limited assets or income to garnish. Some landlords use collection agencies or small claims court, but recovery rates are typically low.

    Do I need an attorney for an eviction?

    While not always legally required, an attorney is strongly recommended. Eviction procedures have strict technical requirements, and mistakes can result in the case being dismissed, forcing you to start over. Many landlord attorneys charge $1,000-$3,000 per eviction.

    Ready to run the numbers?

    Open Eviction Cost Estimate Calculator