Free Texas Eviction Notice Template

A Texas eviction notice is a written document landlords must serve before starting an eviction lawsuit. It explains why the tenant is being asked to leave, how much time they have to pay overdue rent, fix a lease violation, or vacate, and follows timelines in Texas Property Code, Title 4, Chapter 24 (Forcible Entry and Retainer) and Title 8, Chapter 92 (Residential Tenancies).

Texas law requires landlords to use the correct notice based on the situation:

• 3-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit (TX Prop § 24.005): Used when a tenant fails to pay rent. Tenants have three days to pay in full or move out before you can file for eviction unless the parties have contracted for a shorter or longer notice period in a written lease or agreement..
• 3-Day Notice to Quit for Non-Compliance (TX Prop § 24.005): Used when a tenant violates the lease terms. They have three days to fix the issue or move out before eviction proceedings can begin.
• Month-to-Month Lease Termination Notice (TX Prop § 91.001): Used to end a month-to-month tenancy without cause. If the rent-paying period is at least one month, tenants must move out on whichever is later: (1) the day given in the notice or (2) one month after the day on which the notice is given.

To complete your eviction notice correctly:

• Select the correct notice type based on the situation
• Add landlord and tenant names plus the rental property address
• Include the reason for eviction if required by law
• State the legal notice period for payment, compliance, or move-out
• Sign and date the document before serving it

Under Texas law, landlords may serve eviction notices by:

• Hand-delivering the notice to the tenant
• Sending it via certified or registered mail
• Posting the notice at the property if the tenant cannot be found

Always keep proof of service in case the eviction proceeds to court.

If the tenant doesn’t comply within the required time:

1. File a Petition for Eviction with the local Justice of the Peace Court.
2. The court will issue a Summons notifying the tenant of the hearing date.
3. Both landlord and tenant attend the hearing and present evidence.
4. If the landlord wins, the court issues a Writ of Possession allowing the sheriff to remove the tenant if they refuse to leave.

• Petition for Eviction from Residential Premises: Starts the eviction lawsuit.
• Military Status Affidavit: States whether the tenant is in military service.
• Case Information Sheet: Identifies the type of case and parties involved.
• Defendant’s Original Answer: Tenant’s written response to the eviction case.
• Request for Writ of Possession: Authorizes law enforcement to remove the tenant after judgment.