Eviction Court Fees in California: Complete Cost Guide for Landlords & Tenants (2026)
Eviction in California is not just stressful, it can also be expensive. Many landlords and tenants ask one common question: how much are eviction court fees in California?
This guide explains every cost involved in a California eviction, from court filing fees to sheriff fees, attorney costs, and hidden expenses. Whether you are a landlord planning an eviction or a tenant facing one, this article will help you understand the real eviction cost in California.
What Is an Eviction in California?
An eviction (also called unlawful detainer) is the legal process a landlord uses to remove a tenant from a rental property.
In California, a landlord cannot legally evict a tenant without going through the court system, even for non-payment of rent.
Common reasons for eviction include
- Non-payment of rent
- Lease violation
- End of lease term
- Illegal activity
- Owner move-in (in some cases)
Why Are Eviction Court Fees Important?
Eviction court fees in California can add up quickly. Many landlords only think about unpaid rent but forget about:
- Filing fees
- Process server costs
- Sheriff lockout fees
- Attorney fees
- Lost rent during the process
Understanding these costs before starting eviction helps you decide whether eviction is worth it or if another solution makes more financial sense.
California Eviction Court Filing Fees (Main Cost)
The court filing fee is the first and most important eviction cost.
Current Eviction Filing Fees in California
| Case Type | Court Filing Fee |
| Unlawful Detainer (eviction) | $240 – $450 |
| Limited civil case (under $10,000) | $240 – $450 |
| Unlimited civil case | $435 – $450 |
Most eviction cases cost between $240 and $450 to file, depending on:
- County
- Amount of rent owed
- Court type
This fee is paid by the landlord when filing the eviction lawsuit.
Cost of Serving Eviction Papers in California
After filing the case, the tenant must be legally served court papers.
Service of Process Costs
- Process server: $50 – $100 per tenant
- Sheriff service: $40 – $85
- Posting & mailing (if allowed): $60 – $100
If the tenant avoids service, the cost can increase.
👉 Average service cost: $75 – $150
California Sheriff Lockout Fees (After Winning Eviction)
Winning the case does not mean immediate removal. The landlord must request the sheriff to perform the lockout.
Sheriff Eviction Fees
- Writ of Possession fee: $25 – $40
- Sheriff lockout fee: $145 – $175
- Extra occupants or delays: additional charges may apply
👉 Average sheriff eviction cost: $170 – $215
Attorney Fees for Eviction in California
Hiring an eviction attorney is optional but common
Eviction Attorney Costs
- Simple eviction: $500 – $1,200
- Contested eviction: $1,500 – $3,500+
- Hourly rate: $250 – $450 per hour
Some landlords choose flat-fee eviction attorneys, which can reduce costs.
👉 Tenants usually do not pay attorney fees unless ordered by the court or stated in the lease.
Total Eviction Court Fees in California (Real Cost Breakdown)
Here is a realistic eviction cost estimate:
| Expense | Average Cost |
| Court filing fee | $240 – $450 |
| Service of papers | $75 – $150 |
| Sheriff lockout | $170 – $215 |
| Attorney (optional) | $500 – $2,500 |
| Total Cost | $1,000 – $3,300 |
👉 Eviction in California usually costs between $1,000 and $3,000, even without major complications.
Who Pays Eviction Court Fees in California?
- Landlord pays upfront for all eviction court fees
- Court may order tenant to reimburse costs
- Collection from tenant is not guaranteed
In reality, many landlords never recover eviction costs, especially if the tenant has no income or moves out of state.
Can Landlords Recover Eviction Costs from Tenants?
Yes, but with limits.
Landlords may recover:
- Court filing fees
- Service costs
- Sheriff fees
- Attorney fees (only if lease allows)
However:
- Tenant must be able to pay
- You may need a separate collection action
- Winning does not guarantee payment
Eviction Costs Without a Lawyer (DIY Eviction)
Some landlords file evictions themselves.
DIY Eviction Costs
- Court filing fee
- Service fees
- Sheriff lockout fee
👉 DIY cost: $500 – $900
Warning: Mistakes can cause case dismissal, forcing you to start over and pay fees again.
How Long Does Eviction Take After Paying Court Fees?
Timeline after paying fees:
- Filing to service: 1–5 days
- Tenant response time: 5 court days
- Court hearing: 2–6 weeks
- Sheriff lockout: 5–10 days
Total eviction time: 30–60 days (sometimes longer)
Hidden Costs of Eviction in California
Many landlords forget these expenses
- Lost rental income
- Property damage repairs
- Cleaning costs
- Storage of tenant belongings
- Advertising for new tenant
Hidden costs can easily exceed $2,000–$5,000.
Eviction Court Fee Waivers in California
Tenants may qualify for a fee waiver if they meet income requirements.
Landlords usually do not qualify unless filing as an individual with low income.
Fee waivers apply to:
- Filing fees
- Motion fees
They do not cover attorney or sheriff costs.
Tips to Reduce Eviction Court Fees in California
- Use a proper notice to avoid dismissal
- File in the correct court
- Use a professional process server
- Consider cash for keys as an alternative
- Hire a flat-fee eviction attorney
Sometimes settling saves more money than eviction.
Is Eviction Worth the Cost in California?
Ask yourself:
- How much rent is owed?
- How long will eviction take?
- Is the tenant likely to pay later?
In some cases, eviction costs more than unpaid rent.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much are eviction court fees in California?
Eviction court fees range from $240 to $450, depending on the case and county.
Who pays eviction court costs?
Landlords pay upfront. Courts may order tenants to reimburse, but collection is uncertain.
Can I evict without paying court fees?
No. Filing fees are required unless a fee waiver is approved.
Are eviction fees refundable?
No. Court fees are non-refundable, even if the case is dismissed.
How much does eviction cost without a lawyer?
Around $500 to $900, excluding lost rent and repairs.
Final Thoughts
Eviction court fees in California are only one part of the total cost. When you include legal fees, sheriff charges, and lost rent, eviction becomes a serious financial decision.
Understanding these costs helps landlords make smarter choices and helps tenants know what to expect.
If you want long-term success, prevention is always cheaper than eviction.
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