Getting Evicted in Texas
I'm facing eviction — here's what Texas law says and what to do next.
Statute: Tex. Prop. Code § 92.009
Deadline: 2 days
Penalty: Tenant may recover one month's rent plus $1,000, actual damages, court costs, and reasonable attorney fees
What is getting evicted?
Your landlord cannot just throw you out. Federal and state laws require landlords to follow specific legal procedures before they can evict you. An eviction without proper notice and a court order is illegal — it's called a "self-help eviction" and you can sue for it.
Even if you owe rent, your landlord must give you written notice, file a case in court, and get a judge's order before you can be removed. You have the right to appear in court and defend yourself.
What to Do If Your Landlord Is Trying to Evict You
Step 1: Read the notice carefully. It should state the reason for eviction and how many days you have to respond or fix the problem ("cure period").
Step 2: If the notice says "pay rent or quit," you can stop the eviction by paying the full amount owed within the cure period.
Step 3: If you receive a court summons, SHOW UP. Many tenants lose eviction cases by default because they don't appear. You have the right to present your defense.
Step 4: Gather evidence: your lease, rent receipts, photos of the property condition, any communication with your landlord.
Step 5: Contact your local legal aid office. Many offer free representation in eviction cases. Call 211 or visit lawhelp.org to find help in your area.
How Texas differs from federal law
Texas landlord-tenant law is generally more landlord-friendly than many other states:
- No just-cause requirement: Texas does not require landlords to have a specific reason to evict month-to-month tenants. They can terminate with proper notice.
- Short notice periods: For nonpayment of rent, landlords must give only 3 days' written notice to vacate (unless the lease specifies a different period).
- Fast eviction process: Texas eviction cases ("forcible detainer") can move through the courts in as little as 3-4 weeks from filing.
- Lockout protections: Despite being landlord-friendly, Texas Property Code § 92.0081 prohibits landlords from changing locks without following specific procedures. A lockout is a criminal offense.
Additional steps in Texas
Contact Texas RioGrande Legal Aid or Lone Star Legal Aid for free legal help. File with your local Justice of the Peace court if facing an unlawful eviction.
What you should NOT do
Don't ignore the notice. Eviction timelines are strict. Missing a deadline can mean losing your right to fight it.
Don't move out just because the landlord says to. Until there's a court order, you have every right to stay.
Don't withhold rent without legal justification. If you have habitability issues, follow your state's "repair and deduct" or rent escrow procedures instead.
Don't destroy property. Damaging the rental unit can result in additional legal liability and hurt your case.
Don't wait — the clock is ticking.
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Generate your illegal eviction response →This page is general legal information for Texas, not legal advice for your specific situation. Laws change, and how a statute applies depends on facts we don't know. For advice on your matter, consult a licensed attorney in Texas.