TENANT                                 EVICTION                         MANAGEMENT                  FOR OUR HOMES

                    TEXAS TENANT EVICTION PROCESS

Choose: EFILE TXCOURTS.gov https://efiletx.tylertech.cloud/OfsEfsp/ui/landing                        >E-File Petition for Eviction from Residential Premises form   

Harris County Justice Peace Court (Varies with District # & Place # depends where property is located)                     

Step 2.) Find Your Harris County Justice Peace Court Precinct & Place Location (Varies with Precinct # & Place # depends where property is located)   >Go to: http://www.jp.hctx.net/info/map.htm & Google Maps to find the Correct Precinct # (and) Place # Harris County Justice Peace Court info (Varies with Precinct # & Place # depends where property is located)

Texas Eviction Court Checklist Summary for Landlords (Houston - Harris County)

1. Legal Grounds for Eviction

• Nonpayment of rent

• Violation of lease terms

• Holdover tenancy (tenant won’t leave after lease ends)

2. Serve a Written Notice to Vacate

• Serve a 3-day Notice to Vacate (unless lease requires longer)

• Deliver in person, by mail, or by posting on the inside of the front door

• Keep proof of delivery (photos, certified mail receipt, signed acknowledgment)

3. Wait for Notice Period to Expire

• Wait 3 full days (or more if required by lease) before filing

• Do not accept partial rent after the notice—this could void the eviction

4. File Eviction Suit in US JP Court

• File at the Justice of the Peace Precinct where the property is located

• Bring:

  • Signed lease agreement

  • Rent ledger or proof of default

  • Copy of the Notice to Vacate and proof of delivery

• Choose the correct party to sue (all adult occupants listed on lease)

5. Attend the Eviction Hearing (5–14 Days After Filing)

• Bring:

  • ID and all evidence (in triplicate)

  • Lease, notice, rent ledger, photos, texts, emails

• Present your case calmly and factually

• Expect judgment on the same day

6. After Win the Case

• Tenant has 5 calendar days to appeal or vacate

• If tenant stays, file for a Writ of Possession 

• Constable will post a 24-hour notice, then remove tenant by force if necessary

7. Post-Eviction Actions

• Change locks only after writ execution

• Document abandoned property (optional: store or discard as per lease)

• File for judgment collection if tenant owes rent/damages

Texas Small Claims Court Lawsuit Checklist Summary for Landlords (Houston - Harris County)

1. Gather Key Documents

·  Signed lease agreement

·  Rent ledger or payment history

·  Move-out inspection photos/checklist

·  Repair receipts or estimates for damages

·  Communications with the tenant (emails, texts, letters)

·  Notice to vacate or termination notice (if applicable)

·  Security deposit itemization letter and mailing proof Include itemized charges, documentation, and a deadline (e.g., 10–14 days)    before further action.

. Demand Letter If unpaid rent or damage exceeds the deposit, send a formal demand letter requesting payment.

2. Confirm Legal Eligibility

·  The total amount you’re suing for is $20,000 or less

·  The issue is civil (unpaid rent, damage, breach of lease)

·  The case is filed within 4 years (Texas statute of limitations for debt)

3. File the Case

·  Determine the correct US Justice of the Peace Precinct where the property is located

·  Complete a Petition (JP Court Form) — available at the court or online

·  E-File the petition or in person or by mail

4. Prepare for Court

·  Organize all evidence in labeled folders or a binder

·  Prepare a simple, clear explanation of your case (timeline helps)

·  Bring copy of all evidence (for the judge)

·  Practice answering questions calmly and factually

5. Attend the Hearing

·  Dress professionally and arrive early

·  Bring your ID and court receipt

·  Be respectful, speak only when addressed by the judge

·  Present evidence clearly and answer the judge’s questions

6. After the Judgment

·  If you win the case:

o Get a copy of the judgment

o If the tenant does not pay voluntarily, you may:

§  File for a writ of garnishment (to seize bank funds)

§  File for a writ of execution (to seize non-exempt property)

§  Send the judgment to a collection agency

Texas law provides several mechanisms for landlords to protect themselves financially when tenants fail to pay rent:

1. Security Deposits: Landlords can deduct unpaid rent and damages beyond normal wear and tear from the tenant’s security deposit. They must provide an itemized list of deductions and return any remaining deposit within 30 days of the tenant moving out per Texas Property Code §92.104. 

2. Eviction Lawsuit Filing to US Harris County Justice of Peace Court

3. Small Claims Court Lawsuit Filing to US Harris County Justice of Peace Court

4. Abstract of Judgement Filing to US Harris County Clerk's Office - Real Property Records Division 

5. Report to Credit Bureaus & Optional Collection Agency

I.) DAY 30th Of Every Month: 

SEARCH FOR 1st PROOF: https://jpwebsite.harriscountytx.gov/FindMyCase/search.jsp                                                      (For Eviction Lawsuit, Small Claims Lawsuit, and Abstract of Judgement)         

1.) Public Records Enter Case # 

SEARCH FOR 2nd PROOF:    https://www.cclerk.hctx.net/Applications/WebSearch/RP.aspx                                                                  (For Abstract of Judgement Document) 

1.) Login: Username & Password

2.) Enter Grantor Full Last name & Grantee Full Last name (Individual/Entity)

For Further Questions Contact :

Rav S.

Residential Mgmt

Notary Public - State of Texas

Legal Commission # 132427300

RVE Realty Inv - Property Mgmt

www.rverealty.com

Office: 903-326-9783                                                                                                                       

Email: rav@rverealty.com