How Much Does an Eviction Cost in Orange County? (2026 Guide)

Understanding eviction costs helps Orange County landlords budget appropriately and avoid surprises. Here's a complete breakdown of what you can expect to pay in 2026.

Summary: Orange County Eviction Costs

Court Filing Fees

The Orange County Superior Court charges filing fees for unlawful detainer cases. As of 2026, these fees are:

• Initial Filing Fee: $240 (standard unlawful detainer complaint)
• First Amended Complaint: $0 (no additional fee)
• Default Judgment: $20
• Writ of Possession: $40

Total court costs typically range from $280-$320 for uncontested cases, depending on the specific filings required.

Service of Process Fees

Proper service of legal documents is required at multiple stages:

• Service of Notice: $50-$100 (3-day, 30-day, or 60-day notice)
• Service of Summons & Complaint: $75-$150
• Additional Service Attempts: $25-$50 per attempt

If the tenant is difficult to locate or actively avoiding service, costs can increase. Professional process servers charge more for weekend service, rush service, or service in certain areas.

Attorney Fees

Attorney fees represent the largest variable in eviction costs. What you pay depends on whether the case is contested and the complexity involved.

Uncontested Evictions

When the tenant doesn't respond or contest the eviction, attorney fees cover:

• Initial consultation and case review
• Preparation of notice
• Filing the unlawful detainer complaint
• Obtaining default judgment
• Filing for writ of possession

Contested Evictions

When tenants fight back, costs increase based on:

• Whether the case goes to trial
• Number of court appearances required
• Complexity of the tenant's defense
• Discovery and motion practice
• Settlement negotiations

Contact us at 714-832-3651 for a specific quote based on your situation.

Additional Potential Costs

Sheriff Lockout Fees

The Orange County Sheriff's Department charges approximately $150-$200 for executing a lockout. This is the final step where the sheriff physically removes the tenant and returns possession to the landlord.

Relocation Assistance (AB 1482 Cases)

For no-fault evictions under AB 1482, landlords must provide relocation assistance equal to one month's rent. This can be provided as a direct payment or by waiving the final month's rent.

Lost Rent

While not a direct eviction cost, lost rent during the eviction process is often the largest financial impact. A typical uncontested eviction takes 4-6 weeks; contested cases can take 2-3 months or longer.

Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Attorney

Common DIY mistakes that lead to case dismissal:

• Improper notice format or content
• Incorrect service of process
• Mathematical errors in rent calculations
• Missing statutory language
• Procedural deadline violations

Factors That Increase Eviction Costs

Several factors can drive costs higher:

• Tenant with legal representation: When tenants hire attorneys, cases become more complex and costly
• Multiple defendants: Each additional tenant on the lease may require separate service
• Bankruptcy filings: If a tenant files bankruptcy, the eviction is stayed, adding delays and legal complexity
• Habitability defenses: Tenants claiming the property was uninhabitable can significantly extend litigation
• Jury trial requests: Tenants can request jury trials, adding substantial time and cost

How to Minimize Eviction Costs

Follow these tips to keep costs down:

1. Act quickly: Don't delay when a tenant stops paying. Each month of delay is lost rent.
2. Get the notice right the first time: Proper notice preparation prevents restarts.
3. Keep documentation: Well-documented lease violations make cases stronger and faster.
4. Consider cash for keys: Sometimes paying a tenant to leave voluntarily is cheaper than litigation.
5. Hire an experienced eviction attorney: Specialists move cases faster than general practice attorneys.

Orange County vs. Other Counties

Eviction costs in Orange County are generally comparable to other Southern California counties, with some variations:

• Los Angeles County: Often slower due to court backlogs, potentially increasing lost rent costs
• San Bernardino County: Slightly lower attorney fees on average
• Riverside County: Similar to Orange County costs and timelines

Getting a Cost Estimate for Your Case

Every eviction case has unique factors that affect cost. The best way to get an accurate estimate is to consult with an experienced eviction attorney who can review your specific situation.

At Silverstein Eviction Law, we provide straightforward pricing and won't surprise you with hidden fees. Call us at 714-832-3651 for a consultation about your Orange County eviction case.