03/27/2026
Eviction cases move fast, so it's best to act quickly. Landlords must follow specific steps when they are evicting tenants. Learn what to do if your landlord has filed an eviction lawsuit on TexasLawHelp.org.
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Evictions move fast. Understand the timeline
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Tenant Receives Notice to Vacate or Notice to Pay Rent or Vacate
This notice tells you the amount of time the landlord must wait for you to move out (or pay rent, if you haven't been late before) until they can file an eviction suit against you.
Time: Immediately
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Landlord Files Eviction Suit and Tenant Served Eviction Citation
Your landlord must sue in court and get an eviction judgment before you can be forced to leave. You should get a separate notice from the court, called a citation, which tells you your landlord is suing you.
Time: Once the notice to vacate or pay rent period ends. Usually 3 days, unless the lease says otherwise.
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Motion for Summary Disposition
If your citation includes a Motion for Summary Disposition, your landlord has told the court that you are a squatter and has asked to evict you without a hearing. You must tell the court within four days if you disagree about your squatter status. Otherwise, the landlord can get an eviction judgement against you without a hearing after these found days have passed.
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Tenant Files an Answer
An Answer lets you list your defenses, if any. Not required in Justice Court, but can be helpful.
Time: Before or at the court hearing.
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Hearing
Attending the hearing is crucial. If you do not go to the hearing, the judge will likely decide against you and you will have to move. The court will make the judgement at the hearing.
Time: Between 10 and 21 days of when the landlord files an eviction lawsuit.
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Appeal
If you lose, decide if you want to appeal. If you lose the hearing,
Time: 5 days after eviction judgement.
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Writ of Possession
If you do not appeal, your landlord can get a Writ of Possession five days after the eviction judgment. An officer can use the writ to forcibly remove you from your home.
Time: 5 days after eviction judgement.
