How much does a tenant lawyer cost?
How much does a tenant lawyer cost?
$200 – $500 average cost per hour
$500 – $5,000 average flat fee cost
Average tenant attorney cost
Hiring a tenant lawyer costs $200 to $500 per hour, depending on your location and the lawyer’s experience. Many tenant lawyers charge a $500 to $5,000 flat rate for routine cases. Tenant-landlord lawyers help with a variety of cases, including evictions and disputes about the property or security deposits.
| Fee type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Hourly rate | $200 – $500 per hour |
| Flat fee | $500 – $5,000 |
| Contingency fee | 30% – 40% |
Hourly rate
Most tenant lawyers charge an hourly rate of about $200 to $500, depending on their experience level and the case’s complexity. The more time they spend working on your case and representing you during a trial, the more you’ll end up paying.
Flat fee
Landlord-tenant lawyers often charge a flat fee of about $500 to $5,000 for specific services. This means you’ll pay the same fee when the case is over regardless of how long the case takes or whether they’re successful.
Some firms charge lower fees of around $100 for basic services like drafting a notice to vacate.
Contingency fee
Sometimes tenant lawyers charge a 30% to 40% contingency fee for certain cases that could result in a settlement or award. You won’t pay anything up front and will only pay the lawyer if you win. This fee structure is unusual but may apply in cases that involve issues like:
Personal injury
Property damage
Housing discrimination
Invasion of privacy
What is a tenant lawyer?
A tenant lawyer, or landlord-tenant lawyer, represents people who are either renting a home or own the rental property. They usually help settle disputes and handle eviction cases, but they can also help with:
Reviewing lease agreements
Housing discrimination cases
Reimbursement for property damage
Issues with zoning ordinances
Uninhabitable living conditions
How much does a lawyer cost to evict a tenant?
An eviction lawyer costs $150 to $400 per hour on average for a lawyer that specializes in evictions, Some eviction attorneys charge a flat fee of $500 to $800+ for a routine uncontested eviction. The average total cost for an eviction is $1,000 to $1,800 which covers attorney costs, filing fees, process server fees, and sheriff’s services for tenant removal.
Tenant lawyer cost factors
The following factors affect the cost of hiring a tenant-landlord lawyer:
Location: Lawyers in urban or affluent areas usually have higher rates than those in smaller towns.
Experience: Expert attorneys tend to charge more, especially if they have a good reputation and a high success rate.
Complexity: A basic, open-and-shut eviction case takes less time and costs less than a complex dispute that goes to trial. Tenants may also request a trial by jury, which would increase legal costs.
Consultation: Most tenant lawyers offer free consultations, while some charge around $50 to $250 for their services.
Other fees: Additional costs may arise during legal proceedings, such as:
Lost rent: If you’re a landlord, you may suffer losses if you’re not able to collect rent during the trial or court process.
Property damage: Either a tenant or landlord may have to pay extra for any property damage, including fire or water damage, holes in the walls, broken appliances, pests, or holes in the walls. Hoarding cleanup services cost $1,000 to $4,000 on average.
Tenant attorney FAQs
When should a tenant hire a lawyer?
You may need a tenant lawyer if any of the following apply:
You’re moving into a new home and need help understanding your lease agreement.
Your landlord is ignoring your grievances.
Your landlord is disturbing your privacy.
Your landlord is trying to evict you.
You don’t think you should have to pay your rent.
You have a security deposit dispute.
Your landlord is suing you.
Can a lawyer evict a tenant?
A lawyer can assist with the eviction process, but they cannot directly evict a tenant. Eviction requires a court order issued by a judge. While landlords can handle evictions themselves by filing the necessary paperwork with the court, consulting a lawyer can help avoid mistakes that may cause delays or penalties.
How can I avoid tenant-landlord disputes?
Unfortunately, disputes are common when renting a home, but there are steps both renters and landlords can take to avoid serious issues:
Make sure both parties understand the lease terms.
Make sure both parties know their legal rights and responsibilities.
Notify the other party immediately if there are any problems with the property.
Keep all correspondence about the property and communicate in writing.
Getting estimates from tenant lawyers
Follow these steps when looking for tenant-landlord attorneys near you:
Read reviews of attorneys on Lawful and Google.
Make sure they have relevant experience.
Choose lawyers with a transparent fee structure.
Choose a law firm close to you if possible.
Ask for a contract in writing.
Questions to ask tenant lawyers
When looking for representation for a tenant-landlord dispute or eviction case, ask lawyers these questions:
How long have you been practicing?
How long ago did you pass the bar exam?
What do you charge per hour?
Do you charge flat rates for this kind of case?
Will any other lawyers or paralegals help with the case?
Do you offer free consultations?
Do you have the time to take on my case?
How long do cases like this normally take?
Will I have to appear in court?
Will you give me a written, detailed contract before we begin?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.