Behind on Rent in Lubbock? Here’s How the Eviction Process Works

Evictions are some of the worst things to happen to a family. Say you are a struggling single mother who is behind on rent payments, then your landlord files an eviction notice to your unit. This can often be a slippery slope for hitting new lows in life, so knowing about the process before it potentially happens can be a huge relief.

The Eviction Process in Lubbock, Texas

Eviction occurs when a landlord decides they want to remove a tenant and all occupants from a rented property. This could happen if the tenant violated the terms of their lease or if they have not been paying their monthly rent.

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One of the positives about this process is that it gives legal protection for tenants where the landlord can only evict them with good cause. It's up to the Justice of the Peace Court in whatever precinct the property happens to be to decide whether or not the eviction is valid.

Notice to Vacate in Lubbock

Before anything can happen, the landlord must give a written notice to vacate. This is what you typically see posted on the rental unit's front door: the big, scary paper with the words "Eviction Notice" displayed in red ink. This lays out the reason to vacate as well as the date on which the occupants must move out.

If the tenants fail to move their things from the unit before the date posted, the landlord can file an eviction lawsuit and take the tenants to court. As long as the landlord is not demanding payment for costs of property damage, they cannot seek more than $10,000 of rent and attorney fees from the tenant.

The Judge's Final Decision

Once the judge delivers their decision of who they side with, either the tenant or the landlord, the non-prevailing party has five days to fight the decision and file an appeal.

Get this, if the tenant loses the court case and has to proceed with the eviction, but STILL refuses to leave after 24 hours, a constable will arrive and force them to pack up their things and exit the property.

If you've been evicted or you fear it could soon happen to you and your family, there are multiple resources afforded to you throughout the state from low income housing to additional legal assistance.

Remember that there's always another option, and you're never out for good when getting knocked down.