Williamson County, TX Rental Property Rules: Just Cause Eviction (2026)
Just cause eviction rules in Williamson County, TX, sometimes called tenant protection or "for cause" eviction ordinances, list the specific legal reasons a landlord can end a tenancy.
Key Facts
- Just cause
- Not required
- Notice to vacate
- 3 days minimum
- Statute
- Tex. Prop. Code §24.005
- Eviction court
- Justice of the peace
- County authority
- None
Summary
Texas has no just-cause eviction rule. A landlord in unincorporated Williamson County may end a tenancy without stating a reason. Property Code §24.005 requires only a three-day written notice to vacate before filing suit, unless the lease says otherwise.
the landlord must give a tenant who defaults or holds over beyond the end of the rental term or renewal period at least three days' written notice to vacate the premises before the landlord files a forcible detainer suit, unless the parties have contracted for a shorter or longer notice period in a written lease or agreement.
Full Breakdown
No statute requires a landlord to prove cause before ending a Texas tenancy. When a lease term ends or a tenant defaults, the landlord serves the notice to vacate required by §24.005, at least three days in writing unless the lease sets a shorter or longer period, then files a forcible detainer suit in justice court. The county cannot add a just-cause standard, relocation payment, or good-cause defense; Texas counties hold no such power. A tenant's real protection is the eviction process itself: proper written notice, a court hearing, and a judgment before a constable can remove anyone. Self-help lockouts are separately restricted by Property Code §92.0081.
Violations & Fines
A landlord who locks out a tenant or files eviction without the §24.005 notice can have the suit dismissed and faces tenant remedies under Property Code §92.0081 for unlawful lockouts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my landlord need a reason to evict me?
How much notice comes before eviction?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Williamson County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Williamson County to another location·View the Texas rental property rules overview
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