5 Ways to Get a Tenant Out Fast in Texas

As a landlord in Texas, I've dealt with tough tenants. The stress and financial loss can be huge. I avoided driving by the property at all costs because it just stressed me out to see how bad the tenants had trashed the house.

I knew I had to act for my investment and peace of mind. If you're in a similar spot, you're not alone. Removing a tenant in Texas can be tough, but it's doable with the right steps. This guide will show you five ways to quickly remove a tenant in Texas, protecting your rights and following the State law.

We are going to share 5 methods to get that tenant out fast and for good.

Knowing the Texas eviction process is crucial so that you get your property back the right way, avoiding legal fights. From notices to lawsuits, each step must follow Texas laws. Let's look at how to get your property back and regain your peace.

Key Takeaways

• Texas landlords must provide a 3-day written notice before filing an eviction suit
• The eviction process in Texas typically takes 3 to 30 days from the Notice to Vacate
• Landlords can request a writ of possession if tenants don't vacate within 5 days of judgment
• Cash incentives can encourage voluntary move-outs without formal eviction
• Consulting legal professionals ensures compliance with Texas eviction laws
• Proper documentation is crucial for eviction hearings
• Physical eviction must be carried out by authorized officials, not landlords

How to Get a Tenant Out Fast in Texas: Legal Methods

Landlords in Texas have several legal options to evict tenants quickly. The eviction process in Texas follows specific steps. Landlords must adhere to Texas law throughout. Here are five methods to remove a tenant fast, even if they are current on payments:

Method 1: Ask Politely

If you need them to vacate and they are not behind on payments, you can simply ask them politely to vacate within a reasonable amount of time. So many people forget that this is an option that is easy to try.

Method 2: Cash for Keys: Incentivizing Voluntary Move-Out

This method involves offering tenants money to leave voluntarily. It's often faster than a formal eviction and avoids legal complications. Landlords can negotiate a move-out date and payment amount with the tenant.

Method 3: Serving a Notice to Vacate

This method relates to a standard eviction. You will need to have a valid reason for eviction for this one to work. The first step in the eviction process is serving a notice to vacate. In Texas, landlords must give tenants a three-day notice for non-payment of rent. This notice informs tenants they need to move out or face an eviction lawsuit.

In Texas, eviction usually takes 30 days but can last 60 days or more.

Method 3: Check for Illegal Activity

If the tenant is engaged in illegal activity you may be able to fast forward the process for eviction. You will need to thoroughly document this activity to show proof. Sometimes a tenant's illegal activity involves substances that destroy a house. These can be grounds for eviction.

Method 4: Increase the Rent

Even if their lease is still in effect, you can inform them that you will be raising to the rent to a much higher amount. Many times tenants will see the writing on the wall and decide to start looking for a new place right away. They may even ask to end the lease early!

Method 5: Sell the House Fast to a House Buying Company

As an alternative to the eviction process, landlords can sell their property to a house buying company. This option allows landlords to avoid the stress and time associated with evicting a tenant.

You can sell the house as is, event with a current tenant, to a cash house buyer. Many times these real estate investors like to buy houses with existing tenants because they can immediately start getting a return on their investment.

There are tenants rights when selling the house with tenants. They mostly involve scheduling showings and that any existing lease agreement and security deposit transfers to the new owner.

Even if your tenant needs to be evicted, house buying companies like Danny Buys Houses can make you an offer to buy it. If you want a cash offer for your house, give Danny Buys Houses a call or fill out our fast cash offer form today.

Understanding Texas Eviction Laws and Tenant Rights

Texas eviction laws protect both landlords and tenants. Landlords must follow specific procedures to evict a tenant legally. The Texas Property Code outlines the steps for eviction, ensuring fair treatment for all parties involved.

Legal Grounds for Eviction in Texas

Landlords can evict tenants for several reasons:

• Failing to pay rent
• Violating lease agreement terms
• Staying past the lease expiration

Proper Notice Requirements

Before filing an eviction lawsuit, landlords must give the tenant written notice. The notice period varies:

• 3 days for nonpayment of rent
• 30 days for lease violations

The Eviction Process Timeline

The eviction process in Texas typically takes 4 weeks:

1. Serve notice to vacate
2. File an eviction lawsuit in justice court
3. Attend eviction hearing
4. Receive judgment
5. Enforce writ of possession

Tenants have 7 days to respond to an eviction citation and 5 days to appeal a judgment. Court fees for filing range from $46 to over $200, depending on the county. Landlords can recover damages and attorney's fees if they win the case.

How do I evict a tenant with no lease in Texas?

Evicting a tenant without a lease in Texas is similar to evicting one with a lease. It's key for landlords to know the law. In Texas, even without a written agreement, a lease is implied between landlord and tenant.

The first step is to serve the tenant with a proper notice. For month-to-month tenants, Texas law requires a 30-day notice to vacate. If the tenant doesn't leave, the landlord can file an eviction suit in justice court.

After filing an eviction suit, the court sets a hearing date. If the landlord wins, they can get a writ of possession to remove the tenant. Tenants have the right to appeal an eviction, so landlords should be ready for this.

Throughout this process, landlords must follow Texas Property Codes. These laws protect both parties, ensuring fair treatment even without a formal lease. By following these steps and understanding Texas eviction laws, landlords can legally and efficiently handle tenants without leases.

Q: What is the first step a landlord should take to get a tenant out fast in Texas?

A: The first step for a landlord to start the eviction process in Texas is to provide the tenant with a written notice to vacate. This 3-day notice must comply with the eviction rules required by Texas law.

Q: How long does a tenant have to move after receiving a notice to vacate?

A: After being served with the eviction notice, the tenant has a specific number of days to move, typically three to thirty days, depending on the lease violation and the written notice requirements.

Q: Can a landlord proceed with the eviction process without cause in Texas?

A: Yes, a landlord may initiate an eviction lawsuit without cause if the lease allows for it. However, the landlord is still required to serve the tenant a written notice to vacate.

Q: What happens if the tenant does not move by the deadline given in the notice?

A: If the tenant fails to move by the deadline, the landlord can file an eviction suit in the Texas justice court to begin the eviction hearing process.

Q: What is a writ of possession, and when is it issued?

A: A writ of possession is a court order that allows the landlord to legally remove a tenant from the property after an eviction lawsuit has been resolved in their favor. It is issued after the eviction hearing if the court rules in favor of the landlord.

Q: Can landlords use self-help eviction methods to remove tenants?

A: No, landlords cannot legally engage in self-help eviction methods such as changing locks or shutting off utilities. They must follow the legal eviction process in Texas to remove a tenant.

Q: What are the potential consequences for landlords who do not follow eviction rules?

A: If landlords fail to follow the eviction rules required by Texas law, they may face legal repercussions, including having their eviction suit dismissed or being liable for damages to the tenant.

Q: How can a landlord prepare for an eviction hearing?

A: A landlord should gather all relevant documentation, including the lease agreement, written notices to the tenant, and any evidence of lease violations. Attending the Texas Justice Court Training Center can also provide valuable information for preparing for the hearing.

Q: What should a landlord do if a tenant is a holdover tenant?

A: If a tenant is a holdover tenant, the landlord can begin the eviction process by serving the tenant with a written notice to vacate, and if the tenant does not comply, the landlord can file an eviction lawsuit.