Evicting a bad tenant in Texas costs ~$6,671.
How Texas handles evictions
One of the fastest states; JP court hearings set 10–21 days after filing. Fees vary materially by county JP court.
The eviction process in Texas, step by step
Governed by Tex. Prop. Code §§ 24.005, 24.0061; Tex. R. Civ. P. 510.
- 1
Deliver notice to vacateDays 0–3
At least 3 days' written notice, or as the lease provides (§ 24.005); in person, affixed inside the main entry door, or by mail.
- 2
File eviction petitionDay ~4
In the JP precinct where the property sits; filing + constable service commonly $46–$134 by county.
- 3
Citation served; hearing setDays ~5–21
Hearing set no sooner than 10 and no later than 21 days after filing (Tex. R. Civ. P. 510.4).
- 4
JP court hearing and judgmentDays ~14–21
Judgment for possession (plus back rent if pleaded).
- 5
Appeal window5 days
Judgment is not final for 5 days (Rule 510.9); an appeal restarts in county court.
- 6
Writ of possessionDays ~26–30
Cannot issue before the 6th day after judgment (§ 24.0061(b)); the constable posts a 24-hour warning before executing (§ 24.0061(d)).
- 7
Constable lockoutDays ~28–35
Writ executed no later than the 5th business day after issuance (§ 24.0061(b-1)).
Texas court fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Filing + service (one defendant) | $46–$134 by county (Dallas: $134 bundled) |
| Each additional defendant | ~$80 |
| Writ of possession (incl. constable execution) | $150–$405 by county (Dallas: $405) |
Required notice periods in Texas
Nonpayment of rent
3 days' written notice to vacate (lease may set shorter or longer)
Lease violation
3 days (or lease-specified) notice to vacate — the lease governs any cure right
No cause / end of term
No statewide just-cause requirement; 3-day (or lease-specified) notice at lease end/holdover
Statute: Tex. Prop. Code § 24.005
Most of that loss is preventable.
Bad tenants almost always leave a paper trail — the problem is that most landlords don't check carefully. Here's what a proper screening catches before you sign the lease.
Texas eviction cost FAQ
How much does it cost to evict someone in Texas?
In JP court, filing plus constable service commonly runs $46–$134 for one tenant (Dallas County charges $134 bundled; add $80 per additional tenant), and a writ of possession to enforce the eviction runs $150–$405 by county (Dallas: $405). All-in court/constable costs typically total $200–$550 before attorney fees.
How long does an eviction take in Texas?
About 3–4 weeks uncontested: at least a 3-day notice to vacate, a hearing set 10–21 days after filing (Tex. R. Civ. P. 510.4), a 5-day appeal window, and a writ of possession that can't issue before the 6th day after judgment (Prop. Code § 24.0061).
How much notice must a Texas landlord give before filing eviction?
At least 3 days' written notice to vacate, unless the written lease sets a shorter or longer period (Prop. Code § 24.005(a)). It can be hand-delivered, affixed inside the main entry door, or mailed.
When can the constable actually change the locks in Texas?
After judgment, the writ of possession cannot issue before the 6th day (Prop. Code § 24.0061(b)), and the officer must post a 24-hour written warning on the door before executing. The writ must be executed within 5 business days of issuance.
Can a landlord remove a tenant without going to court in Texas?
No. The landlord must win a forcible-detainer judgment and have the constable execute a writ of possession; residential self-help lockouts are restricted and trigger tenant remedies (Prop. Code § 92.008).
How much is the eviction filing fee in Texas?
$121, filed with the Justice of the Peace Court. Service, writ, and execution fees are typically extra and vary by county/court.
What court handles evictions in Texas?
Evictions in Texas are handled by the Justice of the Peace Court.
Sources & methodology
Filing fees and timelines reflect the Justice of the Peace Court and public tribunal fee schedules; cost figures are estimates compiled from public court schedules, Eviction Lab, and state guides — actual costs vary by county, contest status, and market conditions. Last reviewed 2026-07-02. Primary statute: Tex. Prop. Code §§ 24.005, 24.0061; Tex. R. Civ. P. 510.
- Tex. Prop. Code ch. 24 (eviction)
- Tex. Prop. Code § 24.005 (notice to vacate)
- Dallas County JP Eviction Fee Schedule (eff. 01/01/2026)
- Texas Judicial Branch — Justice Court filing fees
This page is general information, not legal advice. Consult a local attorney for your specific situation.