Texas Renters: Understanding Continuing COVID-19 Eviction Protections

If you’re a renter in Texas worried about eviction due to COVID-19 hardships, you’re not alone. While most federal and state COVID-19 emergency protections have ended, some local aid and support resources remain for renters facing financial difficulty. Understanding your current rights and the remaining protections can help you take informed action if you receive an eviction notice or struggle to pay rent.

What COVID-19 Eviction Protections Still Exist in Texas?

Most of the broad eviction protections that were put in place during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic (such as federal eviction moratoriums) have expired. However, here’s what you need to know about your current options and rights in 2024:

• No statewide eviction ban is currently in effect in Texas. The federal CDC Eviction Moratorium ended in August 2021. Texas’s Supreme Court emergency orders related to COVID-19 have also expired.
• Some rental assistance programs may still offer help if you are behind on rent due to COVID-related hardship.
• Certain cities or counties may have their own local rental assistance funds or temporary protections, so check with your local government or justice court.

If you’re at risk of eviction, you still have important procedural rights as a Texas tenant, and there may be help available—especially if you can demonstrate a COVID-19 financial impact.

Key Steps in Texas Eviction Proceedings Now

Eviction (officially called "forcible detainer") in Texas follows requirements under the Texas Property Code, Chapter 24 and related statutes^[1]. Here’s what usually happens:

• Notice to Vacate: Landlords must provide renters with a written notice before filing for eviction. The notice period is usually 3 days, but can be different if specified in your lease.
• Filing for Eviction: If you don’t move out or resolve the issue, the landlord can file an eviction suit with the Justice Court in your precinct.
• Court Hearing: You have the right to attend your hearing and present your case.

Official Forms and Where to Find Them

• TREC Notice to Vacate Form (No official number): Used by landlords to inform tenants officially that they must leave the rental unit. Renters may receive this notice as the first step in eviction. See the TREC Notice to Vacate (PDF). If you receive one, respond promptly, and seek help if needed.
• Answer to Eviction (Justice Court Form): Tenants can use this form to state their response to an eviction filing. It is filed with the Justice Court before your hearing. Download the Justice Court Eviction Answer Form. Use this to tell your side, such as if you’ve sought rental aid.
• Pauper's Affidavit (Statement of Inability to Pay Court Costs): If you cannot pay court fees, you can use this affidavit form. Download from the Texas Courts official site.

For official forms, always use those approved by the Texas Judicial Branch or your county court.

If You’re At Risk of Eviction: Action Steps

If you receive a Notice to Vacate or eviction lawsuit:

• Seek out local rental assistance resources and apply if funds are available.
• Respond to the Notice to Vacate in writing. Ask your landlord for more time if needed, especially if you are awaiting aid.
• File your Answer with the court before your scheduled hearing if an eviction suit is filed.
• Attend your hearing. Bring proof of COVID-19 hardship, rental assistance applications, and any relevant documents.

Even though major COVID-19-specific protections have ended, courts and landlords may still consider proof of pandemic-related financial hardship in your case.

Relevant Texas Law and Where to Get Help

Residential tenancies and evictions in Texas are governed by the Texas Property Code, Chapter 92 (Landlord and Tenant) and Chapter 24 (Forcible Entry and Detainer)^[1]. The Justice Court handles all residential eviction filings in Texas.

You can read more about your legal rights through the Texas Attorney General’s Tenant Rights page and the Texas State Law Library for renters.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are any COVID-19 eviction protections still in effect in Texas?
   Most official COVID-19 eviction protections in Texas have expired. Some local rental assistance and court-based resources are still available. Always check for city or county-level programs.
2. I received an eviction notice. What should I do?
   Respond promptly in writing, seek rental assistance, and file an Answer form with your local Justice Court before your hearing.
3. How can I get rental assistance in Texas right now?
   The main statewide Texas Rent Relief program is currently paused, but some cities and counties still have emergency funds. Check at texasrentrelief.com for updates and links.
4. Can I be evicted if I’m waiting for rental aid?
   You may still face eviction, but present documentation of your pending aid to the court. Judges sometimes delay cases for renters with unresolved aid applications.
5. Who can I contact for landlord-tenant help?
   Reach out to the Texas Attorney General, local tenant advocacy groups, or the Justice Court in your precinct for support and information.

Summary: Key Takeaways for Texas Renters

• Statewide COVID-19 eviction bans have ended, but some local programs may still assist renters in Texas.
• Respond quickly to any eviction notices and attend your court hearing—help and advice are still available.
• Always check official sources and use only approved forms when dealing with landlord-tenant matters.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Texas Justice Court Directory: Find your local court for eviction cases.
• Texas Attorney General – Tenant Rights: Learn about your rights and protections.
• Texas Rent Relief: Information on current rental assistance programs.
• Texas State Law Library: Landlord-Tenant Law Guide
• Texas Statutes and Codes: Full legal texts of all state legislation.

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1. Texas Property Code, Chapter 92—Landlord and Tenant and Chapter 24—Forcible Entry and Detainer
2. Texas Justice Court (Eviction Tribunal)
3. Texas Rent Relief Program
4. Texas Attorney General—Tenant Rights
5. Texas State Law Library—Landlord-Tenant Law

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