Eviction Attorney In Harris County

From the busy courthouses in Houston to the growing suburbs across the region, Vellalos Law files evictions in every corner of Harris County's Justice of the Peace courts.

Harris County handles hundreds of eviction cases annually. That volume creates complexity—multiple precincts, varying local procedures, and judges who see it all. We know the system, we know the courts, and we know how to get your property back.

From Notice to Vacate through Writ of Possession. Flat-fee filings. One attorney, start to finish.

Understanding Harris County Eviction Courts

Harris County is divided into 10 jp precincts, each handling evictions for its geographic area. This matters more than you might think: you must file in the precinct where your property sits—not where you live or where the tenant lives.

Each precinct has its own Justice of the Peace judge and dedicated constable office. Once we obtain judgment in your precinct's court, the appropriate constable executes the writ and returns your property to you.

Filing in the wrong precinct? Immediate dismissal. We verify precinct location on every single case before we file.

The Notice To Vacate: Your Legal Starting Point

Before filing anything in Harris County, Texas law requires you to serve the tenant with a Notice to Vacate. This isn't optional—it's the legal requirement that gives the tenant opportunity to leave voluntarily and opens the courthouse door for your case.

Here's what landlords need to know:

The notice period begins AFTER proper delivery—not on the day you write it. This timing issue alone causes hundreds of case dismissals yearly. You serve on Tuesday? The 3-day period ends Friday. You can file Monday, not before.

We review every notice before filing to confirm proper delivery and correct timing. One mistake here sets you back 30+ days.

Harris County Eviction Costs & What You'Ll Pay

Landlords ask: "What will this eviction cost?" Here's the transparent breakdown for Harris County.

Total cost to regain possession: $700-900

Think about this: On a $1,200-a-month property, you recover your investment in less than one month of collected rent. The real cost of delay is far higher than hiring an attorney who knows Harris County.

How Evictions Actually Work In Harris County

Harris County's courts follow a predictable timeline. Understanding this timeline helps you plan.

Step 1: File the Eviction We file with the Justice Court clerk in your property's precinct. Timing: immediately after the notice period expires. Most precincts accept in-person filings; some offer online options. Hours are typically 8 AM–5 PM weekdays.

Step 2: The Constable Serves the Tenant Harris County's constable serves the citation on the tenant—this is their official notice that a lawsuit has been filed. Service typically takes 10-15 days. The constable files a "return of service" with the court as proof.

Step 3: Trial Hearing Before the JP Judge Hearing scheduled typically 15-25 days after filing (varies by precinct workload). You or your attorney must appear—we appear for you. Most uncontested cases take 5-10 minutes. You bring your evidence: lease, payment records, proof of non-payment.

Step 4: Judgment for Possession The judge rules. You get judgment same day or within 1-2 business days. The tenant can appeal to District Court within 5 days, but in most cases, judgment stands.

Step 5: Writ of Possession Execution The constable executes the writ. They post 24-hour notice on the property. If the tenant hasn't vacated after 24 hours, the constable removes them and returns the property to you.

Total timeline for an uncontested case: 4-6 weeks from filing to property return.

Contested cases (tenant shows up and disputes): 8-12 weeks possible.

Harris County Constables & Service Of Process

The Justice of the Peace doesn't serve your eviction—the county constable does. Constables are law enforcement officers responsible for serving legal documents and executing writs. Each Harris County precinct has a dedicated constable office.

What constables actually do: 1. Serve the citation on the tenant 2. File the return of service with court (proof of service) 3. Execute the writ of possession if you win 4. Post 24-hour notice on property 5. Physically remove tenant and belongings if necessary 6. Provide written report of execution

We coordinate directly with the appropriate constable's office. You don't contact them—we handle all communication and scheduling. That's our job.

Mistakes That Cost Landlords Thousands In Harris County

Harris County's JP courts see high volume. The judges have seen every mistake. One error = dismissal = starting over.

Mistake #1: Filing Before Notice Period Expires Serve Tuesday. File Thursday. Case dismissed. The notice period must fully expire. If you serve Tuesday, period ends Friday evening. File Monday.

Mistake #2: Improper Notice Service Email the tenant. Post notice without certified mail. Tenant appears and says, "I never got it." Judge asks for proof. You can't provide it. Case dismissed.

Mistake #3: Wrong Precinct Property in Precinct 3. You file in Precinct 1. Jurisdiction rejected. Must file where property is located.

Mistake #4: Wrong Notice Period for Your Reason Non-payment = 3 days. Lease violation = 3 days. Month-to-month = 30 days. Your lease might modify these. Get it wrong = dismissal.

Mistake #5: Missing Your Court Hearing You assume the judge rules without you present. Judge dismisses for "lack of prosecution." You lose without appearing.

Mistake #6: Incomplete Documentation No lease. No payment records. No proof of non-payment. Judge says, "Where's your evidence?" You lose.

We prevent every single one of these errors. We review notices, verify precincts, track dates, organize documentation, and appear in court.

Why Harris County Landlords Choose Vellalos Law

Experience Across All Harris County Precincts

We've filed hundreds of evictions across Harris County's courts. We know the judges, the procedures, the constables, and the local variations. We file in Harris County regularly—this is our market.

Flat-Fee Filings, No Surprises

You know the cost upfront: $450-650 for the filing. No hourly meter. No surprise invoices. No hidden fees. Transparent pricing is what separates us.

Portfolio Filings for Property Managers

Managing multiple properties in Harris County? Send us your delinquency list. We handle everything—notices, filings, hearings, writs—across all precincts. One attorney accountable. Weekly intake. Expedited handling available. Retainer arrangements for volume.

We Handle the Courthouse. You Run Your Business.

Notice review, precinct verification, constable coordination, court appearance, writ execution—we manage all of it. You don't appear in court or contact constables. You don't track schedules or navigate procedures.

We file it right the first time. No dismissals. No restarts. No 30-day delays.

READY TO FILE IN Harris County?

Whether you need one eviction or manage a portfolio, Vellalos Law is ready to file your case in Harris County.

Call: (713) 555-0193 Email: Kawika@vellaloslaw.com Hours: Mon–Fri, 9 AM–5 PM

Questions about your specific situation? Schedule a brief consultation. We'll review your case, confirm you have legal grounds, and give you a realistic timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions: Harris County Evictions

Q: How long does an eviction take in Harris County?

Q: Which precinct do I file in?

Q: Can I file online in Harris County?

Q: Do I have to appear in court?

Q: What if I don't have a written lease?

Q: Can the tenant appeal?

Q: What happens if the tenant files for bankruptcy?

Q: Do you file in other Texas counties?

Related Resources

• Texas Property Code § 24.005: Notice to Vacate Requirements
• Harris County Justice Courts Official Website
• Harris County Constable Offices
• Justice Court Training Center
• Texas Justice Court Association

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