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How Fast Can a Landlord Evict You in Texas Now?

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TL;DR: Under SB 38 (effective January 1, 2026), a Texas landlord can complete the eviction process in as few as 21 to 30 days from the notice to vacate through physical removal via writ of possession. The fastest uncontested cases hit the courtroom between days 10 and 21 after filing. Contested cases, appeals, and court … Continued

Texas Eviction Emergency Powers: What Changed Under SB 38

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TL;DR: Under Senate Bill 38, effective January 1, 2026, only the Texas Legislature can pause or modify eviction proceedings during an emergency. The governor can’t do it. The Texas Supreme Court can’t single out eviction cases for special treatment the way it did during COVID. A narrow exception allows the court to modify all court … Continued

Can a Landlord Send an Eviction Notice by Email in Texas?

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TL;DR: Yes, as of January 1, 2026, a Texas landlord can send an eviction notice by email, but only if the lease includes a written agreement authorizing electronic communication. Senate Bill 38 amended Texas Property Code § 24.005 to add email and other electronic delivery as a permissible method alongside personal delivery and mail. Without … Continued

How Much Have You Spent on Application Fees?

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TL;DR: Renters with eviction history, broken leases, or property debt in Texas spend $250–$600+ in non-refundable application fees before finding a community that approves them. Individual application fees run $50–$75 per person, but the real cost is cumulative: each denied application burns the fee, pulls a hard credit inquiry that drops the score 5–10 points, … Continued

Can I Pay Rent After Eviction Notice in Texas?

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TL;DR: Yes. In most situations, a renter can pay rent after receiving an eviction notice in Texas. If the renter has never been late during the current lease term, state law requires the landlord to issue a Notice to Pay Rent or Vacate, which provides a deadline to pay the full balance and stop the … Continued

If You Pay Off an Eviction, Does It Come Off Your Record in Texas?

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TL;DR: No. Paying off an eviction does not remove it from your record in Texas. Court records remain indefinitely, and tenant screening databases like LexisNexis retain eviction records for up to 7 years regardless of payment status. Paying off the associated property debt changes the judgment status to “satisfied” and can improve a credit score, … Continued