What Does It Cost to Evict a Tenant in North Carolina? (2026 Guide)

What Does It Cost to Evict a Tenant in North Carolina? (2026 Guide)

Are you a landlord or property manager in North Carolina dealing with a non-paying or problematic tenant? one of the first questions you’re likely asking is, “How much is this going to cost me?” That depends on more than a few factors so there’s no straight way to answer your question, but the good news is that eviction costs in North Carolina are relatively predictable, especially when you work with a flat-fee eviction attorney.



Eviction costs in North Carolina can vary greatly. You can expect to spend in the range of $250 to $1,500+. How much the eviction will cost you changes depending on the filing fees, whether you hire an attorney, whether or not you’ll need a writ of possession, if the tenant contests the case or files an appeal, and other unforeseen factors.

Let’s break down the cost structure further. One of the biggest variables is legal representation and Attorney Fees (Flat Fee vs Hourly). At George E Gibbs Jr, Attorney at Law, our eviction services are designed to be Quick, Easy, Convenient, and fully handled for one flat Attorney Fee.

We charge $450 for landlords and $300 for property managers/management companies. With that one fee you’re paying for us filing the eviction, preparing all the legal documents, drafting the required notice, and of course appearing in court.

Case filing fees and the writ of possession fee are shouldered by the client, and in the event an appeal is filed by the tenant, that's a separate case entirely. The flat-fee model is a major advantage over hourly billing, where costs can quickly become unpredictable.

Court Filing Fees (North Carolina Standard Costs)

Even with a flat-fee attorney, there are mandatory court costs you’ll need to pay.

• Filing fee: $96
• Service fee: $30 per tenant

Writ of Possession

If the tenant does not leave voluntarily after judgment, you’ll need a Writ of Possession. The writ gives the sheriff the authority to legally remove the tenant from the property.

• Writ fee: $55

Appeals

If possession is granted to the Landlord. tenants in North Carolina are provided 10 days to appeal the judgement.

If that happens an appeal will increase the overall cost and significantly lengthen the timeline, but luckily they aren't common in straightforward non-payment cases.

• Appeal legal fee: $500

Example Total Cost Scenarios

1.) Simple, Uncontested Eviction

• Attorney/legal fee: $450
• Filing fees: $126 (single tenant)
• Writ of possession: $55

Estimated total: $631

2.) Property Manager Filing (Discounted Rate)

• Attorney fee: $300
• Court + service: $126 (single tenant)
• Writ: $55

Estimated total: $481

3.) Contested Eviction with Appeal

• Attorney fee: $450
• Court fees: $126 (single tenant)
• Appeal fee: $500

Estimated total: $1,076+

Waiting Too Long and The Hidden Cost that Comes With It

One of the biggest, and most overlooked costs isn’t legal fees, it’s lost rent. Every extra week you delay filing could mean hundreds or thousands in lost income, additional property damage, and a longer recovery time. In most cases, acting quickly is far cheaper than waiting.


Why a Flat-Fee Format Will Save You Money Whether your property is in Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro, or Wilmington, the eviction procedures stay consistent, and the process remains largely the same. Having an experienced eviction attorney ensures your case is handled correctly and your time is spent efficiently. A lot of attorneys and law firms bill hourly, but since eviction cases are usually procedural, a flat-fee model gives you predictable pricing, faster processing and a more streamlined experience, while also getting rid of any surprise legal bills. Property managers handling multiple units will find this especially valuable for the amount of time you save with accounting and billing alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.) Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant in North Carolina?

• No, but mistakes made while filing the eviction, serving the notice, or preparing court documents can delay your case or even get it dismissed.

2.) Can I get the tenant to pay me back for the eviction costs?

• Court costs may be included in the judgment, but that isn’t guaranteed.

3.) How long do evictions usually take?

• Most uncontested evictions take between 2 to 5 weeks, but complications during the procedure and appeals can extend the timeline.

Evictions Made Easy!

With years of eviction experience exclusively representing landlords and property managers, Attorney George E Gibbs Jr and his team handle every step of the process with precision and professionalism.


Our firm has proudly served landlords and property managers across Charlotte, Gastonia, Concord, Salisbury, Raleigh, Durham, Asheville, and beyond.


Evictions don’t have to be complicated, expensive, or time-consuming. With a flat fee and a full-service package, you can just sit back and relax knowing your case is in good hands.

Contact Us

If you’re a landlord or property manager that needs help with an eviction, you can call us at +1 980-263-9926, send an email to george@gibbsglaw.com, message us on Facebook, or reach out through our Website.