THE EVICTION PROCEDURE
AllReferencesfromChapter24ofTheTexasPropertyCode&TheTexasRulesofCivilProcedure510
LANDLORDMUSTGIVENOTICETOVACATE
Sec24.005(a)(b)(c)Writtennotice3daystovacateunless
leasecallsforshorterorlongertime.
Sec24.005(d)Iftenanttookpossessionby"ForcibleEntry"(just
movedin)noticemaybewrittenororaltovacateimmediately.
Iftheevictionisaresultofaforeclosure,thenoticemustbe30
days.
Sec24.006Ifthelandlordwishestorecoverattorneyfeesthe
noticemuststatethetenantmustvacatebeforethe11thday.
JURISDICTION
TXPropertyCode24.003TRCP510.3(b)
Theprecinctwherethepropertyislocated.
PETITION
TRCP510.3(e)Theonlyissueinanevictionispossessionof
therentedpremesis.
TRCP510.3(d)Backrentsuit(withincourtdollarjurisdiction)
maybeheardatthesametime.
FILINGOFSUIT
TRCP510.4RegularFiling($136.00)
Thesuitisfiledandthecourtissuesacitationthatcommands
thetenantappearincourtatadateandtime,nolessthan10
daysandnomorethan21daysfromdateoffiling.Service
mustbeatleast6daysbeforethecourtdate.TRCP510.4(b)(2)
TRCP510.5PossessionBondFilingThelandlordpostsa
bondsetbythecourt.Thenoticeservedonthedefendantwill
notifythepossessionbondhasbeenfiled.Judgementis
grantedonthe7thdayifnobondorappealisfiledbythe
defendant.Nowritmaybeissuedbeforethe6thday.Thewrit
issuesonthe7thdayandmustbeexecuted.Theofficerwill
placetheplaintiff'sinpossessiononorafterthe7thday,after
thedatethedefendantwasservedthenotice.(rarelyeverused)
TRIAL
TRCP510.8(c)(1)Thejudgehearsthesuitunlessajurytrial
hasbeenrequested.Thetrialisheldandajudgmentisgranted
foronepartyortheother.Eachpartyhas5daystofilean
appeal.Ifthelandlordprevailed,onthe6thday,ifnoappeal
hasbeenfiled,theWritofPossessionmaybeissued.
TRCP510.9TXPROPCODE24.0051
AppealasPauperMustpayrentintotheregistryofthecourt.
TXPROPCODE24.0054
FailuretoPayTheappealcourt(orJusticeCourtifappealhas
notbeencompletedtohighercourt)issuesaWritofPossession
onmotion.
WRITOFPOSSESSION
TXPROPCODE24.0061
After5days,ifthetenanthasnotmovedout
orfiledanappeal,thelandlordmaypaythe
fee($195.00)onthe6thdayandtheWritof
Possessionmaybeissued.TheWritis
directedtotheSheriffandrequiresaWarning
bepostedstatingthedayandtimetheWrit
maybeexecuted.Thedatemustbeatleast
24hoursfromthedatethewarningisposted.
ThewritisdirectedtotheSheriffandstates
thewritistobecarriedoutundertheofficer's
supervision.Thetenantandhisbelongings
willberemovedfromtherentalpropertytoa
nearbylocation.Theofficermaynotexecute
thewritewhenitisraining,sleetingor
snowing.Theofficer,athisdiscretion,may
storeallorpartofthetenantsbelongingsat
nocosttotheofficerorlandlord.
STOREDPROPERTY
TXPROPCODE24.0062
Ifpropertyisstored,itmustbeinabondedor
insuredwarehouse.Thewarehousemanhas
aleinonthepropertywhenitisremoved.
Duringthefirst30daysofstorage,the
propertylistedbelowcanberedeemedby
paymentofthechargesrelatedtothatitem.
After30days,allremainingchargesmustbe
paidtoregainpossessionofanyofthe
Storedproperty.Ifthepropertyisstored,a
writtennoticemustbegiventothedefendant
ifheispresentatthetimethewritis
executed.Ifheisnotpresentthenoticemust
bemailed(firstclass)tohislastknown
address(theaddresshewasevictedfrom)
within72hours.Thenoticemustcontainthe
name,locationandthephonenumberwhere
thepropertyisstored.
Propertyredemableduringfirst30daysof
storageitembyitem:
1.Wearingapparel
2.Tools,apparatusandbooksoftradeorprofession
3.Schoolbooks
4.Afamilylibrary
5.Familyportraits&pictures
6.1couch,2livingroomchairs,diningroomtable&chairs
7.Bedsandbedding
8.Kitchenfurnitureandutensils
9.Foodandfoodstuffs
10.Medicineandmedicalsupplies
11.1automobileand1truck
12.Agriculturalequipment
13.Children'stoysnotcommonlyusedbyadults
14.Goodsthewarehousemanknowsareownedbya
personotherthanthetenant/occupantoftheresidence
15.Goodsthewarehousemanknowsaresubjecttoa
recordedchattelmortgageorfinancingagreement
16.Cash
JUSTICE COURT CIVIL CASE INFORMATION SHEET
(4/13)
CAUSE NUMBER (FOR CLERK USE ONLY): _____________________________
STYLED ______________________________________________________________________________________
(e.g., John Smith v. All American Insurance Co; In re Mary Ann Jones; In the Matter of the Estate of George Jackson)
A civil case information sheet must be completed and submitted when an original petition is filed to initiate a new suit. The information should be the
best available at the time of filing. This sheet, required by Rule of Civil Procedure 502, is intended to collect information that will be used for statistical
purposes only. It neither replaces nor supplements the filings or service of pleading or other documents as required by law or rule. The sheet does not
constitute a discovery request, response, or supplementation, and it is not admissible at trial.
1. Contact information for person completing case information
sheet:
2. Names of parties in case:
Name: Telephone:
______________________________________ _________________________
Address: Fax:
______________________________________ _________________________
City/State/Zip: State Bar No:
______________________________________ _________________________
Plaintiff(s):
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
Defendant(s):
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
Email:
___________________________________________________________________
Signature:
___________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
[Attach additional page as necessary to list all parties]
3. Indicate case type, or identify the most important issue in the case (select only 1):
□ Debt Claim: A debt claim case is a lawsuit brought to
recover a debt by an assignee of a claim, a debt collector or
collection agency, a financial institution, or a person or
entity primarily engaged in the business of lending money
at interest. The claim can be for no more than $20,000,
excluding statutory interest and court costs but including
attorney fees, if any.
□ Eviction: An eviction case is a lawsuit brought to recover
possession of real property, often by a landlord against a tenant. A
claim for rent may be joined with an eviction case if the amount of
rent due and unpaid is not more than $20,000, excluding statutory
interest and court costs but including attorney fees, if any.
□ Repair and Remedy: A repair and remedy case is a
lawsuit filed by a residential tenant under Chapter 92,
Subchapter B of the Texas Property Code to enforce the
landlord’s duty to repair or remedy a condition materially
affecting the physical health or safety of an ordinary tenant.
The relief sought can be for no more than $20,000,
excluding statutory interest and court costs but including
attorney fees, if any.
□ Small Claims: A small claims case is a lawsuit brought for
the recovery of money damages, civil penalties, personal property,
or other relief allowed by law. The claim can be for no more than
$20,000, excluding statutory interest and court costs but including
attorney fees, if any.
CAUSE NO. ____________________
_____________________________ § IN THE JUSTICE COURT
PLAINTIFF §
§
v. § PRECINCT 1
§
______________________________ §
DEFENDANT § TERRY COUNTY, TEXAS
PETITION – EVICTION CASE (WITH TEDP/CDC AFFIDAVIT)
COMPLAINT: Plaintiff hereby sues the following Defendant(s): __________________________
______________________________________________________________________________for eviction
from Plaintiff’s premises (including storerooms and parking areas) located in the above precinct. The address
of the property is:
______________________________________________________________________________
Street Address Unit No. (if any) City State Zip
GROUNDS FOR EVICTION: Plaintiff alleges the following grounds for eviction:
Unpaid rent. Defendant(s) failed to pay rent for the following time period(s):
___________________________________________. The amount of rent claimed as of the date of filing is:
$____________________. Plaintiff reserves the right to orally amend the amount at trial to include rent
due from the date of filing through the date of trial.
Other lease violations. Defendant(s) breached the terms of the lease (other than by failing to pay rent) as
follows: ________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________.
Holdover. Defendant(s) are unlawfully holding over by failing to vacate at the end of the rental term or
renewal of extension period, which was _______________________, 20___.
NOTICE TO VACATE: Plaintiff has given Defendant(s) a written notice to vacate (according to Chapter 24.005
of the Texas Property Code) and demand for possession. Such notice was delivered on ______________,
20___ by this method: _________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________.
SUIT FOR RENT: Plaintiff does or does not include a suit for unpaid rent.
ATTORNEY'S FEES: Plaintiff will be or will not be seeking applicable attorney's fees. The attorney's name,
address, phone and fax numbers are: _________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________.
IMMEDIATE POSSESSION BOND: If Plaintiff has filed a bond for immediate possession, Plaintiff requests that:
(1) the Court set the amount of the bond; (2) the Court approve the bond; and (3) proper notices, as required
by the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, are given to Defendant(s).
SERVICE OF CITATION: Service is requested on Defendant(s) by: personal service at home or work, or by
delivery to a person over the age of 16 years at Defendant’s usual place of residence. If required, Plaintiff
requests alternative service as allowed by the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure. Other home or work addresses
where Defendant(s) may be served are:
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________.
Plaintiff knows of no other home or work addresses of Defendant(s) in this county.
RELIEF: Plaintiff requests that Defendant(s) is served with the citation and that Plaintiff is awarded a judgment
against Defendant(s) for: possession of the premises, including removal of Defendant(s) and Defendant’s
possessions from the premises, unpaid rent, if set forth above, attorney’s fees, court costs, and interest on the
above sums at the rate stated in the lease, or if not so stated, at the statutory rate for judgments.
I hereby request a jury trial. The fee is $22 and must be paid at least 3 days before trial.
I hereby consent for the answer and any other motions or pleadings to be sent to my email address as
follows: __________________________________________________________.
I have reviewed the information about the Texas Eviction Diversion Program available at
www.txcourts.gov/eviction-diversion/.
______________________________________________________________________________
Plaintiff’s Printed Name Signature of Plaintiff or Agent or Attorney
Defendant’s Information (if known): ____________________________________
Date of birth: ____________________ ____________________________________
Last three digits of Driver License: _________ Address of Plaintiff or Agent or Attorney
Last three digits of Soc. Sec. No.: __________ ____________________________________
Phone No.: ___________________________ ____________________________________
Phone & Fax No. of Plaintiff/Agent/Attorney
SWORN TO AND SUBSCRIBED on ______________________________, 20_______
_______________________________________________________
CLERK OF THE JUSTICE COURT OR NOTARY
Instructions:
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act applies to a civil proceeding in the Justice courts. Before entering a default judgment against an
individual defendant, the plaintiff must file with the court an affidavit stating whether or not the defendant is in the military service, showing necessary
facts to support the affidavit, or stating that the plaintiff is unable to determine whether or not the defendant is in military service, if that is the case.
The requirement for an affidavit may be satisfied by a written, signed document declared to be true under penalty of perjury. If it appears that the
defendant is in military service, the court may not enter a judgment until after the court appoints an attorney to represent the defendant. If the court is
unable to determine if the defendant is in military service, the court may require the plaintiff to file a bond in an amount approved by the court.
A person who makes or uses an affidavit under this Act knowing to be false, may be fined or imprisoned or both. 50 USC App. 501 et seq.
To obtain certificates of service or non-service under the Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act, you may access the public website:
https://scra.dmdc.osd.mil/ . This website will provide the current active military status of an individual.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Military Status Affidavit
Case No. ________________________________________________ § IN THE JUSTICE COURT
§
§
___________________________________________________________ § TERRY COUNTY, TEXAS
Plaintiff §
§
Vs. §
§
___________________________________________________________ §
Defendant §
BEFORE ME, on this day personally appeared, ___________________________________________________________________,
who, under penalty of perjury, stated that the following facts are true:
I am the Plaintiff. Attorney of Record for the Plaintiff in this proceeding.
______________________________________________________________, Defendant, is not in military service.
______________________________________________________________, Defendant, is in military service.
I know this because ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I am unable to determine whether or not the Defendant is in military service.
Signed on ________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________
Signature
_______________________________________________________________
Printed Name
_______________________________________________________________
Address Apt. # City Zip
________________________________________________________________
Telephone Email Address
THE STATE OF TEXAS §
COUNTY OF TERRY §
SWORN TO AND SUBSCRIBED BEFORE ME on _____________________________________ [ s e a l ]
______________________________________________ _______________________________________________________
Clerk of the Court Notary Public, State of Texas
The Texas Eviction Diversion Program (TEDP) Set-Aside of the
Texas Rent Relief (TRR) Program helps Texas tenants stay in
their homes and provides landlords an alternative to eviction.
The TEDP may provide up to 12 months of rental and utility assistance for
eligible tenants who are behind on their rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic
and have been sued for eviction. Both the tenant and the landlord must agree
to participate and meet the requirements listed on the back of this page.
This temporary program is a unique partnership between the Supreme Court
of Texas, Texas Oce of Court Administration, and the Texas Department of
Housing and Community Aairs (TDHCA).
n If the rent is below the TRR Program limit, assistance can be used to pay
the contracted rent for all past due rent as far back as March 13, 2020 (up
to 12 months), plus up to an additional 3 months upon re-application if
necessary to ensure housing stability and if funds are available.
n The TEDP uses a special court process that allows courts to put eviction
lawsuits on hold and divert them to the TEDP. Under the TEDP, lump sum
payments are provided to landlords for rent back payments in exchange for
allowing tenants to remain in their homes and forgiving late fees. Diverted
cases will be dismissed and made confidential from public disclosure.
STATE OF TEXAS
EVICTION DIVERSION PROGRAM
LANDLORD / UNIT TENANT / HOUSEHOLD
Eligibility Requirements:
n Assistance for rent no older than March 13, 2020
n Rent for the household assisted may not exceed the
TDHCA maximum limits (limits available by zip code at
TexasRentRelief.com)
n Must have a bank account and accept
direct deposit
n Public housing units are ineligible
n Units where the household’s portion of the monthly rent
paid to the landlord can be adjusted based on a change in
household income are ineligible
n Units owned by a unit of government may
be ineligible
Eligibility Requirements
n Household has been sued for residential eviction in Texas and has
eviction court docket number
n Household income at or below 80% of Area Median Income (limits
available by county at TexasRentRelief.com)
n AND one or more of the household members:
n Qualified for unemployment benefits on or after March 13,
2020; OR
n Attest in writing that due to or during the pandemic they have:
• Experienced a reduction in household income,
• Incurred significant costs, or
• Experienced financial hardship
n AND households must demonstrate that they:
n Are at risk of homelessness or housing instability by providing
an eviction notice or past-due utility or rent notice; OR
n Live in unsafe or unhealthy housing conditions
n Tenants are INELIGIBLE if their rental payments for a unit
can be adjusted based on a change in their monthly household
income) or they are in public housing
Documents Needed:
n Copy of rent or lease agreement (or rent receipt or if no
written lease, required certification proving tenancy)
n Documentation of Missed Payments (ledger, etc.)
n If individual: Government Issued ID; If incorporated: a
Corporate resolution to participate in the program.
n IRS Form W-9
n Landlord TEDP form completed
n Landlord TEDP certification completed
Documents Needed:
n Government/personal ID of a person on the lease
n Copy of rent or lease agreement (or rent receipt)
n Income documentation: annual income documentation for 2020,
or income evidence for past 60 days (more details on website)
n Household TRR Application and certification completed
n Notices of late rent payment or notice to evict
n Copies of past due utility bills, if utility assistance is being
requested
n Unemployment documentation, if applicable
n If receiving partial rental assistance from another source for the
same month, contact the program
You will be required to certify that you:
n Will waive late fees, penalties, and not pass court costs
on to the tenant
n Have not received assistance from another program for
the same months of rent for this household and will not
apply in the future for the covered months
n Will release the tenant from payment liability for this time
period, waive all claims raised in the eviction case, and
not evict the tenant for the period covered by TEDP
n Will reimburse the TEDP within 10 business days if you
receive rent payment for this same unit and time period
n If no current written lease, will certify the lease term, rent
amount, and be able to provide proof of tenancy and the
most recent expired lease (if applicable)
You will be required to certify that you:
n Have not received rental assistance for the same months of rent
or the rental assistance received was less than the full amount
owed, and will not seek such assistance in the future for the
covered months
n Will reimburse the TEDP within 10 business days if you receive
rent (or utility) payment for this same time period
n If no current written lease, must certify lease term, rent amount,
and ability to provide proof of tenancy and the most recent
expired lease (if applicable)
Program Eligibility, Process and Application:
TexasRentRelief.com
833-9TX-RENT / 833-989-7368
Court Process:
txcourts.gov/eviction-diversion
855-270-7655 (Texas Legal Service Center)