Typical evictions cost between $800.00 – $1500, most of which is usually paid up-front. In a usual case, the home owner will pay the eviction attorney up front, and often hoping to be later recompensated by refund of the tenant security deposit. However, as frequently is the case, the tenants are already behind on rent prior to filing the eviction, and the security deposit is unlikely to cover all of the lost rent and court expenses. If successful in court, a judgment may be awarded against a tenant for unpaid rents and court costs, but judgments usually do not include everything the owner might have to pay for. For example, such fees that may not be awarded in an eviction judgment include the Sheriff’s Writ (Lockout) fee, Locksmith fees, storage fees, unpaid utility bills, HOA fines, and repair expenses for physical damage to the property found after the tenant is removed. To get additional judgments for further losses such as these, owners must pursue the tenant in small claims court. Frequently, however, homeowners do not follow through with small claims cases, eating the losses and shoulding the burden themselves.
