Costs of Evicting Tenant via Small Claims Tribunal | Homejourney

Costs of Evicting a Tenant via Small Claims Tribunal in Singapore

Evicting a tenant through Singapore's Small Claims Tribunal (SCT) involves filing fees of S$10-S$50, sheriff fees of S$50-S$200, and potential legal consultations at S$200-S$500, with total landlord costs typically ranging from S$500 to S$5,000 depending on complexity.[1][2][4]

This cluster article breaks down these Costs of Evicting a Tenant via Small Claims Tribunal | Homejourney, focusing on actionable cost insights for landlords. It connects to our pillar guide on How to Evict a Tenant in Singapore: Legal Process | Homejourney How to Evict a Tenant in Singapore: Legal Process | Homejourney for full eviction steps. Homejourney prioritizes user safety by verifying rental listings at https://www.homejourney.sg/search?status=For+Rent to help you avoid disputes.

Why Use Small Claims Tribunal for Tenant Eviction?

The SCT handles tenancy disputes up to S$20,000 (or S$30,000 with consent), including non-payment of rent or breaches like property damage—ideal for most private residential evictions under 2-year tenancies.[1][5]

For HDB subletting violations, SCT applies after HDB approval checks; see our related article HDB Subletting Violations: Eviction Process Explained | Homejourney HDB Subletting Violations: Eviction Process Explained | Homejourney . Landlords cannot self-evict via lockouts, which risks illegal eviction claims.[2][4]

Homejourney's verified agents at https://www.homejourney.sg/agents provide insider tips on compliant tenancies, reducing SCT needs.

Step-by-Step Eviction Process and Associated Costs

Landlords must follow legal steps under the Conveyancing and Law of Property Act (Section 18), starting with a written eviction notice.[1][3]

Issue Eviction Notice: Free to draft, but specify breach (e.g., unpaid rent), remedy, and 1-month vacate period for monthly tenancies. Use templates from State Courts.[1][4]
File SCT Claim if Non-Compliant: S$10 for claims up to S$5,000; S$20 for S$5,001-S$10,000; S$50 for S$10,001-S$20,000. Recoverable if tenant loses.[1][2][6]
Obtain Court Order: Hearing fees included in filing; self-represented (no lawyer needed). Tenant gets 4 weeks to pay arrears under Section 18A.[3]
Enforcement/Writ of Possession: Additional S$50-S$100 filing; sheriff attendance S$50-S$200 per visit. Bailiff enters forcibly if needed.[1][4][7]
Physical Eviction: Sheriff inventories goods for debt recovery; double rent accrues post-notice if tenant holds over.[1]

Total timeline: 1-3 months. For rent recovery post-eviction, refer to Recovering Unpaid Rent After Eviction: Legal Options | Homejourney Recovering Unpaid Rent After Eviction: Legal Options | Homejourney .

Detailed Cost Breakdown Table

Cost Item	Estimated Amount (SGD)	Who Pays Initially	Notes
SCT Filing Fee	10-50	Landlord	Tiered by claim; recoverable[1][6]
Sheriff/Bailiff Fee	50-200	Landlord	Per attendance; from tenant goods/deposit[1][4]
Mediation (CMC)	0	Free	Pre-SCT option[2]
Legal Consultation	200-500/hour	Landlord	Optional; SCT is self-rep[2]
Writ of Possession	50-100	Landlord	Enforcement filing[7]

Landlords budget via Homejourney bank rates for cash flow during disputes. Total: Often under S$1,000 for straightforward cases.[1][2]

Hidden Costs and Risks for Landlords

Beyond direct fees, expect lost rent (1-3 months), double rent penalties on holdover tenants, and IRAS stamp duty recovery (0.4% annual rent for leases >1 year).[1] Failed claims mean non-recoverable fees.

Tenant countersuits for illegal eviction (e.g., utility cuts) add defense costs. Prevention: Screen tenants via Homejourney's verified rental search. For tax on rental income, see 新加坡租金收入税务指南｜Homejourney series 新加坡租金收入税务指南替代方案｜Homejourney实战节税路线 .

Practical Tips to Minimize Eviction Costs

Issue proper notice per Step-by-Step Guide to Issuing Eviction Notice in Singapore | Homejourney Step-by-Step Guide to Issuing Eviction Notice in Singapore | Homejourney to avoid re-filings.
Attempt free Community Mediation Centre first—resolves 70% of cases.[2]
Document breaches with photos/timelines for SCT evidence.
Connect with Homejourney agents for pre-emptive lease reviews.
For HDB, secure subletting approval to sidestep violations.

Disclaimer: This is general information based on State Courts and common law; consult a lawyer for your case. Homejourney verifies info for trust.[5]

FAQ: Costs of Evicting a Tenant via Small Claims Tribunal

How much does it cost to file eviction at SCT?
S$10-S$50 based on claim amount, recoverable if you win.[1][6]

Who pays sheriff fees in tenant eviction?
Landlord initially, often from tenant's deposit or seized goods.[1][4]

Can tenants recover costs if eviction is wrongful?
Yes, via counterclaim at SCT for illegal actions like lockouts.[2]

Is mediation free before SCT eviction?
Yes, at Community Mediation Centres.[2]

Total cost to evict via SCT in Singapore?
S$500-S$5,000 including all fees and lost rent; varies by case.[1][2]

Master Costs of Evicting a Tenant via Small Claims Tribunal | Homejourney to protect your investment. For full evict tenant Singapore guidance, read our pillar How to Evict a Tenant in Singapore: Legal Process | Homejourney How to Evict a Tenant in Singapore: Legal Process | Homejourney . Search safe rentals on Homejourney today.