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If you’re dealing with an eviction in Houston, you’re probably wondering how much it will cost and what to expect. We understand how overwhelming this process can be. From filing fees to court costs, there are a lot of moving parts to the question, “How much does an eviction cost in Houston?”
Let’s break it down so you can be prepared for the journey ahead. We’ll go over the key expenses and help you understand where the money goes, making sure you’re ready for each step along the way.
The Eviction Process and Its Costs in Houston
When it comes to evicting a tenant in Houston, the process involves much more than just filing paperwork. It can be a lengthy and costly endeavor that includes several steps and expenses.
Let’s break down what you can expect when navigating the eviction process, from the initial eviction notice to the final court date. Understanding these steps can help you plan for the total eviction-related expenses and avoid surprises along the way.
Eviction Notices: The Starting Point
Before you even think about filing a lawsuit, you’ll need to serve the proper notice to your tenant. In Texas, this typically means providing a three-day eviction notice if the tenant fails to pay rent or violates the lease agreement.
The notice gives the tenant a chance to vacate the property or face a court eviction case. This formal notice is required under the state’s eviction laws and is the first step in removing a bad tenant.
Filing Costs and Court Fees
Once you serve notice and the tenant fails to comply, it’s time to file an eviction lawsuit, also known as a forcible detainer suit. This is where the court filing fees come into play, and they can vary depending on the county.
In Houston, the court filing fee is typically a flat fee, but you should also be prepared for additional court costs that may arise throughout the process. The total cost of an eviction lawsuit can climb if the case becomes more complicated or if the tenant contests the eviction.
Filing Fees and Court Costs: The initial cost to file an eviction in Houston typically ranges from $100 to $250, depending on the county and whether additional tenants are involved. This includes filing the eviction lawsuit and court-related expenses.
Find help for your eviction needs and protect your property. Get in touch with us at Jarrett Law in Houston today at (832) 831-0833 or schedule your appointment online.
Legal Fees
While it’s possible to handle an eviction on your own, many landlords opt to hire an eviction attorney to guide them through the legal proceedings. Attorney fees add to the overall cost of an eviction, but legal representation often helps prevent costly evictions and ensures the eviction process is handled correctly.
Whether you hire a lawyer or not, you’ll still face legal fees, especially if the eviction case becomes drawn out.
Attorney Fees: Hiring an attorney can range significantly, from a flat fee of around $500 to as much as $2,500 or more, depending on the complexity of the case and whether it gets drawn out in court.
Lost Rent and Property Turnover Costs
One of the hidden costs of evicting a tenant is the rent you lose during the eviction proceedings. Even after serving eviction notices, missed rent can pile up, and this lost rental income can take a toll on your finances.
Once the tenant leaves or is removed, there’s also the issue of property turnover costs. You may need to spend money on cleaning fees, repair costs for any property damage, and the expenses associated with preparing the rental unit for a new tenant. These non-monetary costs add to the financial burden of eviction.
Lost Rent: During the eviction process, which can take several months, you may lose rental income. On average, landlords can lose around $2,500 to $3,000 in lost rent due to the vacancy during this time.
Property Turnover and Repairs: Once the tenant leaves, you may incur property turnover costs, such as cleaning, repairing damages, and changing locks. These costs can range from $1,000 to $1,750 or more, depending on the condition of the rental unit.
Court Date and Enforcing the Eviction
Once you’ve filed the lawsuit and paid the filing fees, you’ll need to wait for a court date. If the court sides with you, they’ll issue a judgment allowing you to evict the tenant.
However, if the tenant refuses to leave, you might need the help of a law enforcement officer, such as a sheriff’s office, to physically remove the tenant from the rental property. This final step may add additional court expenses and time before you can regain control of your rental unit.
When considering all factors, including legal representation, court filing fees, lost rent, and property turnover, the total cost of an eviction in Houston can range from $3,500 to $5,000 or more, depending on how long the process takes and whether the tenant causes additional damages.
These figures don’t include the non-monetary costs, such as time and stress, that can also add up during the eviction process. Proper tenant screening can help reduce the likelihood of going through this costly process in the future.
Jarrett Law Handles Difficult Evictions For You
At Jarrett Law in Houston, we understand how challenging evictions can be, especially when dealing with complex state regulations and tenant disputes. Evictions often feel overwhelming, but we’re here to make the process smoother for you by handling the legal steps and providing guidance every step of the way.
Our team ensures that your case is handled professionally and efficiently, allowing you to focus on your property and investment.
Legal Support Throughout the Eviction Process
Navigating the eviction process requires careful adherence to Texas Property Code Chapter 24. At Jarrett Law, we assist you from the initial eviction notice to the court filing and beyond. If your tenant violates the lease or fails to pay rent, we help you serve the proper “Notice to Quit.”
If compliance doesn’t occur, we’ll file a Forcible Entry and Detainer suit on your behalf, making sure all necessary legal documents are in order. We know how to navigate Texas’s strict eviction protocols, so you don’t have to worry about missing a crucial step.
Cost-Effective Solutions with Mediation Options
Evictions can quickly become expensive, but our goal is to minimize your costs by offering competitive rates and proactive legal strategies.
We aim to reduce your time in court by exploring mediation as an alternative. Mediation often helps resolve disputes more quickly and amicably, allowing you to avoid the additional expenses and stress of a lengthy court battle.
If mediation isn’t possible, we are fully prepared to represent you in court, ensuring your rights are protected every step of the way.
Protecting Your Long-Term Investment
Evictions are not just about removing a tenant; they are about safeguarding your long-term investment. We don’t just focus on the eviction at hand—we aim to help you build a stronger foundation for future landlord-tenant relationships.
By ensuring that the eviction process is completed correctly and efficiently, we help you avoid recurring issues, protect your property, and keep your rental income flowing.
Let Us Handle the Hard Work for You
Evictions don’t have to be a burden when you have the right legal team on your side. At Jarrett Law, we’re committed to making the eviction process as smooth and cost-effective as possible.
Contact us today at (832) 831-0833 or schedule your appointment online to discuss how we can help you with your eviction needs and protect your property.