Prices to file an eviction vary by state and court, driven by filing fees, service costs, and potential attorney help. This guide provides typical cost ranges in USD and notes common drivers that can shift the total.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Filing Fee | $15 | $120 | $250 | State and local court differences; mandatory forms vary |
| Service of Process | $20 | $50 | $75 | Private process server or sheriff; statewide rules apply |
| Sheriff/Writ Fee | $20 | $60 | $100 | Responsive to writ or eviction order |
| Attorney Fees (Optional) | $0 | $600 | $1,500 | Hourly or flat; many landlords forego attorney |
| Delivery/Documentation | $0 | $20 | $60 | Copies, notices, certified mail |
| Total Estimated | $35 | $350 | $1,985 | Assumes standard process without contested hearings |
Assumptions: region, case specifics, and court rules affect totals; this table shows representative ranges for typical single-tenant evictions.
Overview Of Costs
In most cases, the total cost to file an eviction ranges from about $100 to $1,200 when not using an attorney, and can exceed $1,500 with legal representation. The largest drivers are the state filing fee, process service, and any required sheriff actions. Variations by state and county can shift numbers by 25–100%.
Cost Breakdown
| Components | Typical Range | Per-Unit / Flat | Notes | Assumptions | Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Filing Fees | $15 – $250 | $0.50 – $5 per page | State and locality dependent | Single-tenant eviction; standard forms | No separate tax in most states |
| Service of Process | $20 – $75 | $- | Private server or sheriff | Out-of-state or complex service may cost more | Tax not typically added |
| Sheriff/Marshal Writ | $20 – $100 | $- | Includes eviction order enforcement | Depends on jurisdiction and court outcome | Often excludes tax |
| Attorney Fees | $0 – $1,500 | $75 – $150 / hour | Hourly or flat rates common | Contested or complex cases raise costs | Taxable in some services; consult local rules |
| Delivery/Documentation | $0 – $60 | $0 – $10 per page | Notarization, copies, certified mail | May be included in filing or service | Generally not taxed separately |
What Drives Price
State law and local court rules are the primary price drivers. Filing fees vary widely; some states cap these costs, others set higher rates for contested cases. Service methods (private process servers vs. sheriff) and whether an eviction requires a writ also change totals. If an attorney is used, rates and hours substantially shape the final price.
Regional Price Differences
Prices differ by region: urban, suburban, and rural areas show notable gaps. In the urban Northeast, filing plus service might approach $150–$350, while suburban areas in the Midwest often land around $80–$220. Rural counties may fall near $60–$180, with added travel or courier fees occasionally pushing totals higher. These deltas reflect court load, staffing, and local enforcement practices.
Labor, Time & Scheduling
Time spent by landlords or managers can affect costs when handling paperwork or court appearances. Typical preparation requires 2–5 hours for document gathering, notices, and calendar management. If a prosecutor or attorney is involved, hours rise with case complexity; a basic filing plus one hearing commonly adds 3–6 hours of attorney time at standard local rates.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Hidden costs can appear even with simple filings. Late notices, additional copies, certified mail fees, and potential motion hearings add to the bill. If the tenant contests or requests extensions, expect extra court appearances and additional service attempts. In some states, a fee to issue a writ is separate from the eviction filing and service costs.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Basic Scenario: Flat filing in a low-fee state, standard service, no attorney, no writ. data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”> Estimated total: $100–$250.
Mid-Range Scenario: Moderate filing fee, private process service, one court appearance, optional attorney for documentation only. Estimated total: $350–$800.
Premium Scenario: High filing fee state, contested case, multiple service attempts, sheriff involvement, and attorney representation. Estimated total: $1,000–$2,000+
Assumptions: region, case specifics, and court rules affect totals; this section presents three representative pricing profiles for eviction filings in typical U.S. jurisdictions.