General Procedures for Filing an Eviction for Non–Payment of Rent

South Dallas Government Center – 8301 S. Polk Street, Suite 2100, Dallas, TX 75232
Main Telephone:  (972) 228-0280  |  Fax:  (972) 228.2737
Hours of Operation:  8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday - Friday (except for court approved holidays)
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General Inquiries:  JP11Court@dallascounty.org

Due to high volume and duplicate filings, we are no longer accepting filings via email or fax. Please file all filings and pleadings through eFileTexas.gov in person or by mail only.

The appearance date on your citation is not a trial date. It is the deadline date by which you must “appear” to let the court know how you want to take care of your case. You do not need to appear in person but may make an appearance by entering a plea or paying the fine by mail.

Set a court date: If you would like to plead not guilty and set your case for a court date, please mail a written request that includes your name and citation number to our office.

Our mailing address is 8301 S. Polk Street, Suite 2100, Dallas, Texas 75232.

For any questions or concerns please feel free to contact the court at (972) 739-1588.

Texas Rules of Civil Procedure
Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, Part V Rules of Practice in Justice Court
Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code
Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Chapter 15
Texas Rules of Evidence

Local Rules of the Civil Courts of Dallas County (Appendix 1 Included)
Local Rules of Decorum (Appendix 2)
Recording & Broadcasting in the Civil Courts

Representing Yourself in Court
The following information is not legal advice and does not take the place of a lawyer.
Self-Represented Litigants

  1. The tenant must have already failed to pay the rent as agreed. Landlord cannot refuse to accept rent and thereafter claim rent was not paid.
  2. The landlord must deliver a written "Notice to Vacate" or "Demand for Possession" naming each occupant the landlord seeks to evict from the premises. The notice must give the reason for demanding possession. The written notice must give the tenant time to vacate voluntarily. The time to vacate in the notice must be at least three (3) days, unless the landlord and tenant have agreed to a greater or lesser than three day time period in a written lease or agreement.
  3. Delivery of the notice must be done by one of the following methods:
    1. Handed to a tenant in person. (Or anyone living at the premises who is at least 16 years old.)
    2. Mailed to the tenant. (If mailed the landlord must wait an additional two (2) days to allow for the mail to be delivered before filing the eviction.)
    3. Attached to the inside of the main entry door.
  4. After the notice is delivered, wait until after the notice period expires, then go the Justice of the Peace Court in the precinct where the property is located to file a written "sworn complaint" for eviction. The court will determine who has a greater right to possession of your rented property. Forms for filing are available online.

(Sample wording of the "Notice to Vacate for Non-payment of Rent.")


Dear ______________, (Name all Tenants)

Today is the _______ day of ______________________, 20___.

The rent has not been paid. I demand possession of my rental property. This is a notice that you vacate the premises by _______________ or I will file an eviction suit with a Justice of the Peace Court.


_________________________,
(Landlord)

For other types of evictions, comply with notice requirements on Property Code§24.005.