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

    Ready to run the numbers?

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