How long before eviction in Texas?
Minimal(provisional)Last verified 2026-09-21
Law change in effect or pending. SB 38 (89R) applies to eviction suits filed on or after 2026-01-01
At a glance
- Grace period before a late fee
- Not verified
- Late fee cap
- Not verified
- Pay-or-quit notice
- 3 calendar days
- Filing to judgment
- 10 calendar days
- Wait before the writ can be executed
- 6 calendar days
- Can paying stop it before judgment?
- Yes
- Can paying stop it after judgment?
- No
- Lockouts without a court order banned?
- Not verified
- Record sealing available?
- No
- Right to counsel
- none
- Fastest lawful timeline
- 19 days
Not legal advice. This page reports what the state statute says as of the last-verified date. It does not describe how a particular court applies it, and it does not account for your lease, local ordinances, or the facts of your case. If you have received a notice or a court summons, contact a legal aid organisation listed below.
Can I stop it by paying?
Before judgment: Yes. Only via the pay-or-vacate notice, which is mandatory only for first-time-late tenants
After judgment: No.
Behind on utilities in Texas too? See Texas's shutoff protection rules.
Where to get help
Sources
- Tex. Prop. Code 24.005, as amended by SB 38 (89R), eff. 2026-01-01
- TRCP 510.18(g)(1)
- TRCP 510.8(b)(10), trial 10-21 days after filing
- Primary statute ยท Court self-help