Evicting a tenant isn’t just stressful. It can also get expensive!
After dealing with late rent, lease violations, or the tenant that always causes a headache, the last thing you want is to pay for eviction costs!
In this post, we’ll explore every step of the eviction process, from filing fees to lost rent, and help you figure out the cost to evict a tenant from your rental property.
What Is the Eviction Process in Clarksville, TN?
The eviction process starts with a notice to the tenant and can end in court if the issue isn’t resolved. Typically, a landlord must first provide the tenant with a written notice—like a 3-day notice for nonpayment of rent—before they can proceed.
If the tenant fails to comply or pay rent, the landlord may need to file an eviction lawsuit. This leads to eviction proceedings in county court, where a judge may issue an eviction order if they rule in favor of the landlord. Once that’s done, the tenant must vacate the property.
Understanding the eviction process helps you prepare and plan financially for the steps ahead.
How Much Does It Cost to Evict a Tenant?
The cost to evict a tenant in Clarksville, TN can vary. But on average, landlords should expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $3,500—sometimes more.
Let’s break it down:
- Court filing fees: $100–$300
- Process server or sheriff fees: $40–$150
- Attorney fees: $500–$1,500+
- Lost rent during eviction: $1,000–$3,000+
- Property damage/repairs: $300–$2,000+
- Cleaning and turnover costs: $150–$500
- New tenant screening: $50–$150 per applicant
Estimated total: $500 to $5,500+, depending on the complexity of the case and how long it takes.
What Are the Main Costs Associated with Evictions?
Here are the biggest costs associated with evictions:
- Court filing fees: These vary depending on the court, but can be $100–$300.
- Attorney fees: If you hire an eviction attorney, fees can run $500–$1,500.
- Lost rent: If a tenant fails to pay rent, you may lose several months of rental income.
- Property damage: A bad tenant might leave behind costly repairs.
- New tenant screening: Finding a good tenant takes time and money.
The total cost depends on how far the eviction process goes and how much time passes before the tenant leaves.
How Long Does the Eviction Process Take?
The eviction process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. If the tenant contests the eviction, you’re looking at a longer (and more expensive) timeline.
In some cases, delays in court scheduling or waiting for a court order can add weeks to the eviction case. This is why it’s important to understand every step involved in the legal process.
Do Landlords Always Need an Attorney to Evict a Tenant?
Not always, but it’s highly recommended. In Clarksville, TN, you may be able to represent yourself if you own the property as an individual. However, if you own it under an LLC or corporation, you’ll likely need an eviction attorney.
Plus, eviction laws can be complex. Having a lawyer helps you avoid mistakes that could delay or dismiss your eviction action. While attorney fees are an added cost, they can save you bigger headaches down the road.
What Are the Filing Fees and Court Costs in Clarksville?
In Clarksville, TN, court filing fees for an eviction usually fall between $100 and $250. You may also need to pay court fees for serving the eviction notice or setting hearings.
These legal fees can add up, especially if the tenant contests the eviction. Always check with the local court to see what fees apply in your area.
What Happens If a Tenant Fights the Eviction?
If the tenant wins, you could be stuck with the legal bill. Some tenants may challenge the eviction case based on tenant rights, claiming the landlord to remove them is violating the lease agreement.
This can drag out the process and increase legal costs. And remember, while you’re in court, you’re probably losing money in lost rental income and can’t bring in a new tenant.
What’s the Total Cost of an Eviction from Start to Finish?
Here’s a look at the total cost of an eviction in Clarksville:
- Filing fee: $100–$300
- Attorney fees: $500–$1,500
- Lost rent: $1,000–$3,000 (or more)
- Court costs: $100–$500
- Damage repairs: $500–$2,000
- Tenant screening: $50–$150
When all is said and done, the cost of an eviction could exceed $5,000.
Is It Cheaper to Avoid Eviction Altogether?
Yes. Many landlords try to work things out before starting the eviction process. Offering the tenant a deal to vacate voluntarily—like waiving part of the rent payment—can sometimes save money in the long run.
Other strategies include better tenant screening, clear lease terms, and regular communication. Prevention is almost always cheaper than going through an eviction case.
Can You Recover Eviction Costs from the Tenant?
Maybe. If the judge rules in favor of the landlord, you may be able to recover some fees for eviction, like court costs and even attorney fees. But actually, collecting from the tenant after they’re gone? That’s often the hard part.
In many cases, you’ll have to write it off as a loss. That’s why landlords need to weigh the costs associated with evictions before jumping into legal action.
Are There Any Hidden or Additional Costs?
Yes—don’t forget about additional costs like:
- Time spent dealing with the issue
- Stress and frustration
- Vacant unit marketing
- Cleaning and repairs
These aren’t always easy to put a dollar sign on, but they’re real. If you’ve ever had to evict someone, you know it’s rarely a clean break.
Full-Service Property Management in Clarksville, TN
At Connerth & Co. Property Management, we take the hassle out of being a landlord. We’ll evaluate your property to help you set the best rental price, screen trustworthy tenants, and handle all the day-to-day details—like monthly income and expense statements, plus regular inspections and repairs.
If you’re in Clarksville or the surrounding area, we’re here to make your rental property run smoothly from start to finish. Call us today to get started.
Key Takeaways: What You Need to Know About Eviction Costs in Clarksville, TN
- The cost to evict a tenant in Clarksville can range from $500 to over $5,000.
- Major expenses include court filing, attorney fees, lost rent, and property damage.
- The eviction process usually starts with a notice and can end in court.
- If the tenant fails to pay rent or violates the lease agreement, the landlord must follow the correct legal steps.
- You may recover some costs, but many landlords end up absorbing the losses.
- Avoiding eviction by communicating or offering a deal may be more cost-effective.
- Smart tenant screening and clear lease terms can help prevent eviction issues in the first place.
- Legal advice is highly recommended due to the complexity of eviction laws.
Eviction isn’t easy—but understanding the true cost of an eviction helps you make smarter decisions for your rental property.
FAQs About Eviction in Tennessee
Q. How long does it take to evict someone in Tennessee?
A. The eviction process in Tennessee can take anywhere from four to six weeks, but it depends on the case. If the tenant doesn’t respond to notices or court summons, things can move quickly. But if they contest the eviction or the court has a backlog, it could stretch out for two to three months or longer.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Notice period: 3 to 14 days depending on the lease violation.
- Court filing and hearing: Usually scheduled within 1–3 weeks.
- Eviction order and enforcement: This can take another 1–2 weeks if the tenant doesn’t leave voluntarily.
Q. Who pays for an eviction?
A. In most cases, the landlord pays for the eviction upfront. This includes court fees, attorney costs, and lost rent. If the judge rules in favor of the landlord, they may order the tenant to reimburse some of those expenses—but collecting from a former tenant is often difficult.
That’s why many landlords view eviction as a financial risk and try to resolve issues before filing in court.
Q. What are the eviction laws in Tennessee?
A. Tennessee eviction laws require landlords to follow specific legal steps before removing a tenant:
- Serve proper notice (3-day, 14-day, or 30-day depending on the issue and lease terms).
- File an eviction lawsuit (known as an unlawful detainer action).
- Attend a court hearing and wait for a ruling.
- Obtain a court order if the tenant doesn’t leave.
- Work with the sheriff to enforce the eviction if necessary.
Tennessee law protects both landlords and tenants, so skipping any legal steps can result in a dismissal of your case.
Q. Can a landlord evict you without going to court?
A. No. In Tennessee, a landlord cannot legally evict a tenant without going through the court system. Self-help evictions—like changing locks, shutting off utilities, or removing belongings—are illegal and can lead to lawsuits against the landlord.
Even if a tenant clearly violates the lease, the landlord must still file a court case and receive a formal eviction order before the tenant can be removed.
