A Texas eviction notice informs a tenant they’re in violation of their lease and the landlord is taking steps to remove them from the rental property unless they correct the problem. If the tenant ignores the issue, the landlord can file a forcible entry and detainer eviction case at the Justice of the Peace Court.
Give a 3-day eviction notice for non-payment before proceeding with a lawsuit.
Let a tenant know they've breached the lease and will face eviction unless they rectify the violation within three days.
Let a tenant know you intend to terminate the month-to-month lease agreement at the end of thirty days.
Before starting the eviction process in Texas, ensure you have read and understood the clauses under Texas Property Code, Title 4 (Actions and Remedies) and Title 8 (Landlord and Tenant).
Depending on the circumstances, the landlord must give the tenant the appropriate eviction notice.
If the tenant cures the breach (if given the option) or moves out within the required timeframe, no further action is necessary. If the tenant refuses the eviction notice, they must reply to the court through a Defendant’s Original Answer form to argue in their defense.
Prepare to go to court in case the tenant responds with a defense. Complete documents like a Petition for Eviction and Statement of Inability (if you can’t cover court fees and costs).
If the tenant fails to cure the breach or moves out, the landlord must file a Petition for Eviction from Residential Permit with the Justice of the Peace Court to begin the official eviction process.
Someone other than the landlord must serve the petition to the tenant. This individual can be any competent adult who doesn’t have an affiliation with the case. To ensure reliable delivery, you can recruit a sheriff, law enforcement officer, or a professional process server for the task.
The landlord and tenant must attend their respective court hearings. Unless the tenant is defending against the eviction, these preliminary hearings will typically be held separately.
If the tenant doesn’t appeal within five days, the landlord will file a Request for Writ of Possession with the court.
If the court grants the Request for a Writ of Possession, the sheriff will help the landlord remove the tenant from the premises.
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