Eviction Cost-Benefit Estimator
Compare the true cost of pursuing eviction against alternative resolutions such as payment plans, cash-for-keys, or mediation. Enter your situation below to see a detailed cost breakdown.
Formulas Used
Eviction Path:
- Rent Owed = Monthly Rent × Months Unpaid
- Deposit Offset = min(Security Deposit, Rent Owed)
- Uncovered Rent = max(0, Rent Owed − Deposit Offset)
- Legal Costs = Filing Fee + Attorney Fee + Process Server + Lockout Fee
- Vacancy Loss = Monthly Rent × Vacancy Months
- Indirect Costs = Turnover Cost + Re-listing Cost
- Net Eviction Loss = Uncovered Rent + Legal Costs + Vacancy Loss + Indirect Costs
Alternative Resolution Path:
- Deposit Offset = min(Security Deposit, Rent Owed)
- Uncovered Rent = max(0, Rent Owed − Deposit Offset)
- Net Alternative Loss = Uncovered Rent + Alternative Cost + Rent Forgiven
Savings = Net Eviction Loss − Net Alternative Loss
A positive savings value favors the alternative resolution; a negative value favors eviction.
Assumptions & References
- Court filing fees vary widely by state and county ($50–$500+); enter your jurisdiction's actual fee.
- Average eviction attorney fees range from $500–$5,000 depending on complexity and location (Nolo, 2023).
- Vacancy periods of 1–2 months are typical after an eviction; longer in slower rental markets.
- Turnover costs average $1,000–$3,000 nationally (National Apartment Association, 2022).
- Cash-for-keys agreements typically range from $500–$3,000 and can significantly reduce vacancy time.
- Security deposit application to unpaid rent is assumed to be legally permissible in the landlord's jurisdiction.
- This tool does not model the probability of collecting a court judgment (often low for insolvent tenants).
- State-specific eviction moratoriums, notice periods, or mandatory mediation requirements are not modeled.
- References: Nolo Press Landlord's Legal Guide; National Apartment Association Cost of Eviction Study (2022); Urban Institute Housing Research (2021).