Evictions aren’t cheap — but they don’t have to break the bank either. Here’s exactly what you’ll pay in California in 2026.
Court and Filing Costs (Everyone Pays These)
| Fee | Amount |
| Unlawful Detainer filing fee | $385–$435 |
| Process server (notice + UD) | $100–$300 |
| Writ of Possession filing | $40 |
| Sheriff lockout fee | $150–$250 |
| Total minimum court costs | $675–$1,025 |
Total Cost by Path
| Path | Court Costs | Service Fee | Total |
| DIY | $675–$1,025 | $0 | $675–$1,025 |
| Document preparation | $675–$1,025 | $899 | $1,574–$1,924 |
| Eviction attorney | $675–$1,025 | $3,000–$5,000+ | $3,675–$6,025+ |
The Hidden Cost: Lost Rent
The biggest expense in any eviction isn’t the legal costs — it’s the lost rent. Every month the eviction drags on is another month of rent you’re not collecting.
| Monthly Rent | Each Month of Delay Costs |
| $1,500/month | $1,500 |
| $2,500/month | $2,500 |
| $3,500/month | $3,500 |
This is why getting the paperwork right the first time is so important. One rejected filing due to a notice error can cost you an extra month of lost rent — more than the cost of professional document preparation.
Can You Recover Eviction Costs?
Yes — partially: – Court costs — The court can order the tenant to pay your filing fees as part of the judgment – Back rent — The judgment typically includes all unpaid rent – Attorney fees — Only if the lease includes an attorney fees clause
The challenge: Collecting from a tenant who couldn’t pay rent is often difficult. You may need to pursue wage garnishment or bank levies after the eviction.
How to Minimize Eviction Costs
- Use document preparation instead of an attorney — save $2,000–$4,000
- Get the notice right — A defective notice restarts the clock and adds $500+ in costs
- Act quickly — Every day of delay is money lost
- Don’t accept partial rent after serving a pay-or-quit notice — this can void the notice
- Consider “cash for keys” — Paying the tenant $1,000–$2,000 to leave voluntarily can be cheaper and faster than the full eviction process
How Superior Court Docs Saves You Money
At $899, Superior Court Docs eviction document preparation saves you $2,000–$4,000 compared to an attorney — and more importantly, it saves you the cost of lost rent from delays caused by paperwork errors.
📞 (213) 973-7248 or get started.
Related: The Complete Guide to California Eviction | Eviction Timeline | Eviction Lawyer vs. Paralegal
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