What is the minimum notice period my landlord must give in Texas?

Most tenants are entitled to a 3-day written notice to vacate before the landlord may file for eviction, unless your lease states otherwise.

Does a landlord have to give me a chance to ‘cure’ a violation before evicting?

Texas law does not guarantee a cure period, but your lease might. Review your lease and communicate with your landlord.

Is there an official Texas ‘Cure or Quit’ form?

There is no official state-issued Cure or Quit form. Landlords must provide a written notice to vacate before starting eviction.

What should I do if I disagree with the notice?

Gather documentation, respond in writing, and contact tenant legal resources or the Justice of the Peace Court for help.

Who handles eviction cases in Texas?

Eviction cases are handled by the Texas Justice of the Peace Courts.

Understanding Cure or Quit Notices for Texas Renters

Evictions & Lease Violations Texas published: June 21, 2025

If you’ve received a notice from your landlord about a possible lease violation, it’s important to understand your rights and what steps you can take. In Texas, a ‘Cure or Quit’ notice is a legal warning when a landlord believes you’ve broken your lease. Here, we’ll explain what this notice is, how Texas law protects you, and what actions are available to renters.

What Is a Cure or Quit Notice?

A ‘Cure or Quit’ notice is a type of official warning letter from your landlord. It tells you that you’ve violated part of your lease—such as unpaid rent, unauthorized pets, or a noise complaint—and gives you a set amount of time to fix (cure) the issue or move out (quit) the property. If you cure the violation in the time allowed, you can stay. If not, your landlord may start an eviction lawsuit.

When Are Cure or Quit Notices Used in Texas?

While Texas law requires landlords to give ‘notice to vacate’ before filing for eviction, many landlords also send a Cure or Quit notice for lease violations. Here are typical situations:

Non-payment of rent
Unauthorized occupants or pets
Property damage
Breaking community rules or city ordinances

Depending on your lease agreement, your landlord might provide a chance to fix the violation or require you to move out.

Texas Law: Tenant Protections and Notice Requirements

The main legislation for Texas tenants and landlords is the Texas Property Code Chapter 92 – Residential Tenancies^[1]. Texas law requires landlords to provide a written notice to vacate at least 3 days before filing an eviction unless your lease specifies a different notice period.

Important: While a Cure or Quit notice is a common courtesy or contractual requirement, the law requires a notice to vacate as the official step before eviction.

What Does a Notice to Vacate Include?

The reason for ending the lease (e.g., non-payment, lease violation)
The deadline to move out (usually at least 3 days)
Information on how to cure the violation (if allowed under your lease)

If your landlord only serves a notice to vacate—not a ‘Cure or Quit’—you may have less time to correct the issue.

Official Forms and Where to Find Them

Notice to Vacate (No Form Number): This is the official notice a landlord must send before beginning the eviction process in Texas. While there isn’t a state-issued form, you can review the requirements outlined by the court system at Texas Courts – Eviction Resources.
When and how it's used: For example, if you receive a notice stating you owe rent and must move out in 3 days, this is your official signal that the eviction process may begin soon. Always read the notice carefully and check if it gives you a chance to correct the problem.

If your landlord moves forward, the next official step is eviction court. For information on court eviction forms, visit the Texas Justice of the Peace Courts – Evictions page.

Which Tribunal Handles Texas Rental Disputes?

Eviction cases and disputes over lease violations in Texas are handled by the Justice of the Peace Courts. Learn more about their procedures at their official Texas Judicial Branch portal.

What Can You Do If You Receive a Cure or Quit Notice?

Receiving a warning from your landlord can be stressful, but you have options:

Read your lease: Check if it allows you time to fix the problem.
Address the violation: If it’s something you can correct (like noise complaints or fixing unauthorized roommates), act quickly and keep proof (e.g., emails).
Communicate in writing: Notify your landlord as soon as you’ve cured the issue.
Seek legal advice: If you believe the notice or eviction isn’t justified, reach out to legal aid services in Texas.

Tip: Acting quickly and communicating with your landlord in writing can help you avoid further conflict and protect your rights as a Texas tenant.

Step-by-Step: What to Do After You Get a Cure or Quit Notice

If you receive one of these notices, here’s how to respond to protect your tenancy:

Carefully read the notice for details about the alleged violation and the deadline for action
Refer to your lease and Texas Property Code for your specific rights
Fix the issue if you want to stay (e.g., pay overdue rent, remove an unauthorized pet)
Notify your landlord in writing that the issue has been resolved
Keep copies of all notices and communications
If you disagree, gather documentation, and consider reaching out to Texas tenant resources

Understanding your rights and responsibilities gives you time to respond confidently.

FAQ

What is the minimum notice period my landlord must give in Texas?
In most cases, it’s a 3-day written notice to vacate, unless your lease specifies otherwise.^[1]
Does a landlord have to give me a chance to ‘cure’ a violation before evicting?
Texas law doesn’t require a cure period, but your lease may offer one. Always check your lease terms.
Is there an official Texas ‘Cure or Quit’ form?
No. Texas doesn’t provide an official Cure or Quit form, but landlords must provide a valid written notice to vacate before filing for eviction.
What should I do if I disagree with the notice?
Gather evidence, communicate with your landlord in writing, and consider contacting Texas tenant legal assistance or your local Justice of the Peace Court for advice.
Who handles eviction cases in Texas?
The Texas Justice of the Peace Courts oversee eviction cases and landlord-tenant disputes.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Renters

In Texas, landlords use notices like Cure or Quit to warn tenants about lease violations, but a legal eviction process always requires a written notice to vacate.
Your lease agreement and state law both shape your right to fix violations before possible eviction.
Acting quickly, communicating clearly, and knowing your legal resources can help protect your tenancy.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Texas Justice of the Peace Courts – Eviction Information: Official site for forms, eviction procedures, and contact info.
Texas Attorney General – Renters’ Rights: Overview of tenant rights, sample letters, and legal guidance.
Texas Law Help – Eviction Diversion Program: Help for tenants facing financial hardship or eviction.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Texas Tenant Resources

Texas Property Code Chapter 92 – Residential Tenancies