Court Costs Go Up for 2009

Despite the difficult financial times facing rental property owners and tenants, the California legislature has added yet another expense to the bottom line for owners by increasing fees to file unlawful detainer actions.

The new fees may make it more difficult to provide tenants with affordable commercial or residential leases, as increased overhead costs are eventually passed on to tenants in the form of rent increases. I would imagine that this will be more the case for a larger commercial properties with several units.

Filing fees for unlawful detainer actions will be increased by as much as $50 per filing in some counties. Instead of $195 to file an eviction in court, the new filing fees will range from $215 to $245, depending upon the county. If the amount in dispute exceeds $25,000, the new filing fees range from $340 to $360.

Here are the increased fees for Sacramento County:

$215 ($10,000 or less)
$340 ($10,001 - $25,000)
$350 ($25,001 +)

Just another reason to thoroughly screen your Sacramento tenants!

Kimball, Tirey & St. John LLP has a local office in Elk Grove that can assist you in any legal matters related to a Sacramento tenant.

You can contact Calvin Clements at (916) 714-6611 or by email at Calvin.Clements@kts-law.com.  Please let him know Team Newington referred you.

The legal stuff...

Kimball, Tirey & St. John LLP is a full service real estate law firm representing residential and commercial property owners and managers. This article is for general information purposes only. Before acting, be sure to receive legal advice from our office.