Home › Legal › How Much Does Eviction Lawyer Cost?

How Much Does Eviction Lawyer Cost? (2026 Guide)

Uncontested: $500–$1.5K. Contested: $2K–$5K+.

Updated Mar 2026Legal$500–$5K
Eviction Lawyer Cost Calculator
Estimate legal costs for eviction
to
Estimated range based on your inputs
⚠️ Based on national averages. Get 3+ local quotes for accurate pricing.

Eviction Lawyer Costs

ServiceCostTimelineNotes
Self-file (landlord)$150–$50030-60 daysFiling fees + service only
Attorney flat fee (uncontested)$500–$1,50030-60 daysMost common
Attorney (contested eviction)$2,000–$5,00060-120 daysTenant fights eviction
Tenant defense attorney$1,000–$3,00030-90 daysOften free via legal aid
How Costs Compare
14%
55%
27%
Self-file (landlord) 4%
Attorney flat fee (uncont 14%
Attorney (contested evict 55%
Tenant defense attorney 27%

Pro Tips

Serve proper notice BEFORE filing — Most eviction failures are due to improper notice. Each state has specific notice requirements (3-day, 5-day, 30-day). Get this wrong and you start over
Tenant legal aid is often free — If you're a tenant being evicted, contact your local legal aid office immediately. Many provide free representation for low-income tenants
Lost rent during eviction is the real cost — Eviction takes 30-120 days. At $1,500/month rent, you're losing $1,500-$6,000+ while the process plays out. Factor this into your total cost
Cash-for-keys is often cheaper — Offering the tenant $1,000-$3,000 to leave voluntarily is often faster and cheaper than the eviction process. It sounds wrong but the math works
Document everything in writing — Every notice, communication, lease violation, and payment record should be documented. Courts require evidence, not just your word
Illegal eviction = massive liability — Changing locks, shutting off utilities, or removing belongings without a court order is illegal and can result in $5,000-$25,000+ in penalties. Always go through the court system

What You Need to Know

Eviction costs $500-$5,000 in legal fees plus $1,500-$6,000+ in lost rent during the process. For landlords, the fastest and cheapest eviction is a proper one — serve correct notice, file correctly, and show up to court prepared. For tenants, free legal aid is widely available and dramatically improves outcomes. Many evictions are dismissed due to landlord procedural errors, so both sides benefit from legal guidance.

Find Legal Help

Compare attorneys and legal services near you

🔒 Free, no obligation. Your info stays private.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to evict a tenant?▼
Legal fees: $500-$5,000. Filing fees: $50-$400. Service: $50-$100. Lost rent during process: $1,500-$6,000+. Total real cost: $2,000-$10,000+.
How long does eviction take?▼
Uncontested: 30-60 days. Contested: 60-120 days. Some tenant-friendly jurisdictions: 3-6 months. The timeline starts from when you serve proper notice.
Can a landlord evict without a lawyer?▼
Yes — landlords can self-file in most states. However, procedural mistakes are common and restart the clock. For first-time evictions or contested cases, an attorney is worth the $500-$1,500.
What are a tenant's rights during eviction?▼
Proper written notice, time to respond, a court hearing, and the right to present defenses (uninhabitable conditions, retaliation, discrimination). Tenants cannot be physically removed without a court order.
What if the tenant won't leave after the court order?▼
The court issues a writ of possession, and the sheriff physically removes the tenant (usually within 5-14 days). Only law enforcement can execute a physical eviction.
Can I evict a tenant for no reason?▼
In most states with month-to-month tenancies, yes — with proper notice (30-60 days). During a fixed-term lease, you generally need cause (non-payment, lease violation). Some cities have "just cause" eviction laws limiting no-cause evictions.
Related Calculators
Tenant LawyerReal Estate LawyerSmall Claims
📊 Data Sources
Pricing from provider surveys, RealSelf, and industry reports. Updated March 2026.