Eviction Cost Calculator

Eviction is the most expensive failure mode in landlording. This calculator builds the full out-of-pocket: lost rent during the legal timeline, attorney and filing fees, property damage, post-eviction turnover, and any deposit recovery.

Monthly rent

Months of unpaid rent

notice + court timeline

Attorney fees

Court filing & service fees

Property damage

Post-eviction turnover

Recovered from deposit

Net out-of-pocket

$11,850

5.4 months of rent

Gross loss

$14,050

before any recovery

Lost rent during eviction

$6,600

Why eviction is the worst-case scenario

Even quick evictions cost 4–8 months of rent in lost income, legal fees, and post-eviction restoration. Slow-moving courts (some states still take 6+ months) push the cost much higher. This is the math that justifies robust tenant screening.

Some losses can be recovered through a money judgment — but most evicted tenants cannot or do not pay. Treat the deposit as the only real recovery and budget eviction as a sunk cost when it happens.

How to Use

Enter monthly rent and the months of unpaid rent (notice period + court process).
Enter attorney and court fees — varies widely by state and complexity.
Estimate property damage — assume worse than typical wear if the eviction is contested.
Estimate post-eviction turnover (deeper clean, more repairs, longer marketing).
Enter what you can recover from the security deposit — usually capped by the deposit amount.
Read the net out-of-pocket loss in dollars and months of rent.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an eviction take?

It varies enormously: 30–60 days in landlord-friendly states, 6+ months in tenant-friendly states. Add any sheriff lockout delays and the timeline can stretch further. Plan worst-case for cash reserves.

Can I get a money judgment for the unpaid rent?

Yes, the eviction process usually includes a judgment for unpaid rent and court costs. Collecting on it is a different matter — most evicted tenants are judgment-proof. Treat any recovery as upside.

How can I reduce eviction risk?

Better screening (verify income, run credit and eviction history), reasonable security deposits, written lease enforced consistently, and prompt action on missed rent. Waiting 'just one more month' usually compounds losses.

Should I use a 'cash for keys' offer?

Often yes. Offering $1,000–$3,000 to a non-paying tenant who agrees to move out within 7–14 days can be cheaper than a 4-month court process. Get the agreement in writing and contingent on actual move-out.