Information about Justice Court Cases

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How much does it cost to file an eviction suit?

A. A summary of court costs and service fees is available for download. For citations to be served in a county other than Harris County, contact the constable or sheriff of that County for the amount of the service fee and location for forwarding the citation.

Q. Where do I file my Eviction suit?

A. An eviction suit must be filed in the Justice Court in the precinct of the county in which the rental property is located.

Q. How much does it cost to request a Writ of Possession?

A. A summary of court costs and service fees is available for download.

Q. I filed a pauper's affidavit to appeal a judgment for the landlord in a residential eviction for nonpayment of rent. What happens if I cannot make the initial rent deposit into the justice court's registry?

A. In an eviction case filed on or January 1, 2012, if a tenant who is appealing a judgment in a residential eviction case based on nonpayment of rent by filing a pauper's affidavit, fails timely to pay the initial rent deposit into the registry of the justice court, the landlord may request the court immediately to issue a writ of possession. The court must issue the writ of possession without a hearing. The appeal will still go forward.

More Information about Eviction Cases >>

General Information

This information is furnished to you to provide basic information relative to the law governing procedures for eviction cases in the Harris County Justice Courts.

The Harris County Justices of the Peace and the Clerks of the Harris County Justice Courts are not allowed to give legal advice. You are urged to review the applicable laws and to consult an attorney of your choice for further information or answers to specific legal questions.

You have the right to a trial by a jury and to be represented by an attorney of your choice, or to represent yourself.

Disclaimer: The law is constantly changing and there may be times when the information on this web site will not be current. This information is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. This information is not a comprehensive treatment of the subject and is not a substitute for advice from an attorney.