What does a California eviction cost?

Out-of-pocket costs (filing fees, process server, sheriff, locksmith, attorney) typically run several thousand dollars for an uncontested UD. Contested cases run higher. Total cost including lost rent during the timeline runs into the five figures for most cases. Verify current filing and sheriff fees at the court and sheriff websites.

What are the main cost categories?

Court filing fee, process server, attorney fees, sheriff writ fee, locksmith, cleaning/repair after lockout, and the lost rent during the eviction timeline. Lost rent is usually the largest line item.

How much is lost rent in a typical eviction?

Uncontested: 5–9 weeks of rent at the unit's rate. Contested: 3–6 months. For a $3,000/month unit, that's $3,400-$6,200 lost on uncontested and $9,000-$18,000 contested.

Can I recover costs from the tenant?

Court fees and some costs are recoverable as part of the UD judgment. Attorney's fees are recoverable if the lease has a fees clause. Collecting actual money from the tenant is a separate enforcement issue with realistic recovery rates often below the judgment amount.

How can I keep costs down?

Get the notice right the first time (defective notices restart the case). Don't accept partial payment without non-waiver. Use a UD attorney experienced in the local court. Move quickly from default to writ to sheriff.

How Much Does an Eviction Cost in California?

TL;DR

Direct costs: filing, process server, attorney, sheriff, locksmith — several thousand dollars total. Lost rent during the 5–9 week uncontested or 3–6 month contested timeline is the biggest cost. Court-set fees vary; verify current schedules.

Cost categories

UD filing fee — varies by amount in controversy; verify at the Superior Court fee schedule
Process server — for summons service
Attorney fees — UD attorneys typically charge a flat fee for uncontested; contested cases are higher
Sheriff writ fee — for posting the 5-day notice and conducting the lockout; verify at county sheriff site
Locksmith — re-keying after lockout
Cleaning/repair — restoring the unit after recovery
Lost rent — during the notice + UD + lockout timeline

Common questions — eviction cost

Total cost?

Several thousand direct plus lost rent through timeline. Five-figure total common.

Main categories?

Filing, process server, attorney, sheriff, locksmith, lost rent.

Lost rent?

5–9 weeks uncontested, 3–6 months contested.

Recover from tenant?

Court fees yes, attorney fees if lease allows. Actual collection often below judgment.

Cost reduction?

Get notice right, refuse partial without non-waiver, use experienced UD attorney.

How much does a California eviction cost? Lost rent is the biggest line.