Texas Justice Court
Evictions
Eviction cases move quickly and are about possession of real property. They are not ordinary small claims cases.
Legal information only: This site provides legal information for Texas Justice Court users. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and does not replace advice from a licensed Texas attorney or instructions from your court. County and precinct practices vary. Filing methods, local forms, service fees, court closures, and clerk procedures can change. Always verify details with the correct Justice of the Peace court before filing or relying on a deadline.
Important
- Eviction deadlines are short. Missing an appeal or registry-rent deadline can have severe consequences.
- County packets may have changed after January 1, 2026. Verify current forms before filing.
Step-by-Step Starting Point
- 1Check the property address and the JP precinct where the property is located.
- 2Read the notice, petition, citation, and trial setting.
- 3Do not calculate the answer deadline from service date without checking the citation.
- 4If there is a judgment, check the eviction appeal deadline immediately.
- 5If appealing and staying in the home, check registry-rent obligations immediately.
Venue and filing
Eviction cases are generally filed in the Justice Court precinct where the rental property is located.
Rent can be joined only within the Justice Court rent limit. Claims outside possession/rent may need a different lane.
Common Signals
This may fit when
- Landlord wants possession
- Tenant received eviction citation
- Rental property address controls precinct
Check a different lane when
- Money-only damages after move-out
- Repair order request
- Title dispute
Templates & kits for this task
Self-help templates, not legal advice. County court forms always come first when your JP court publishes one.