Eviction Fees & Frequently Asked Questions
Transparent flat fees for landlords, and straight answers to the questions we hear most.
Flat-fee eviction pricing
The summary proceeding is billed on a flat fee paid before any notice is served or proceeding is started. Hearings, trials and the warrant are billed separately, as shown below.
| Service | What's included | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Summary eviction proceeding | Holdover, non-payment or special proceeding. Includes the eviction notices, service of process, the court filing fee, the notice of petition and petition, one court appearance and an application for a judgment. | From $900 per rental premises |
| Tenancy ended by 90-day notice | When the tenancy must first be ended with a 90-day notice, a $400 advance retainer is due at the start instead of the full flat fee. | $400 to start |
| Hearing or trial | If the tenant appears and the case is not resolved at the first appearance, the court may schedule a hearing or trial. A $250 minimum applies if a trial is ordered, even if the tenant does not appear. | $250 per hour |
| Warrant of eviction | After a successful case, the office files and processes the warrant unless you instruct otherwise in writing. | $250 |
Every case is different. Fees are per rental premises, and your engagement letter will set out the exact terms for your matter. Fees for real estate closings and estate planning are quoted per matter — call 518-490-1924 for a quote.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an eviction take?
As an overview, the eviction process can take anywhere from 2 to 8 months, and sometimes longer if the circumstances require it.
How much should I budget for the eviction process?
In addition to unpaid rent and any other losses, you should budget approximately $1,300 in total for the eviction process.
What do I do if my tenant is not paying rent?
If rent isn't received within five days of its due date, you must send the tenant a written notice by certified mail (RPL § 235-e(d)); we can tell you what it should say. We then prepare a 14-day rent demand and have it served by a process server. If the tenant neither pays nor leaves, we file the non-payment proceeding.
How do I end a lease with my tenant?
If the lease term has ended, or the tenant has breached a material term of the lease, specific notices must be served first — the type depends on the situation and how long the tenant has lived there. Once the proper notice has run, we commence a holdover summary eviction proceeding.
What if someone is illegally occupying my property?
If someone is occupying the premises without legal permission, you will need to start a special proceeding. Examples include squatters and occupants who remain after a foreclosure.
What does the representation include?
Representation covers the eviction proceeding itself, whose purpose is to restore the landlord-tenant relationship under the lease or to return the rental premises to your possession. It does not include filing, enforcing or collecting rent arrears, a money judgment or other damages related to the tenancy.
This page provides general information, not legal advice for your situation. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Ready to start an eviction, or not sure which notice you need?
Call or send a message with the property address and a short description of the situation. We'll tell you the next step.