Texas SB 38: What the New Eviction Law Means for Renters

What changed

Eviction cases now move on a tighter clock. Courts must hold the trial 10 to 21 days after the landlord files, and tenants have four days to respond. If the judge rules against you, you have five days to appeal, and you now have to swear the appeal is made in good faith, not to delay.

The law also allows eviction notices to be delivered electronically and lets a landlord ask for a summary ruling, without a full trial, when there's no real factual dispute.

What it means for renters

Faster cases mean less time to catch up on rent, find help or move out on your own terms. Tenant advocates warned the law erodes some tenant protections, while its sponsor said it balances owners' property rights with renters' needs. Either way, more renters are likely to end up with an eviction on their record, and in Texas that record can't be sealed.

If you get a notice, read your email and mail closely, and show up to court. Your options are much better before a judgment than after one.

Renting again after an eviction

An eviction makes renting harder, but not impossible. Many Houston properties deny automatically, while our Partner Properties review the whole situation: how long ago it happened, whether a balance was paid and what your income looks like now. Here's how we help:

• Call 713-992-3000 or fill out our short form. A Houston Counselor reviews your situation one-on-one.
• We match you with Partner Properties that consider renters with your history, so you aren't paying application fees at places that deny automatically.
• We back your application with the property and stay with you until you're approved and moving in.

This isn't legal advice

This article is general information about the law, not legal advice for your case.