Tarrant County, TX Rental Property Rules: Just Cause Eviction (2026)

Texas is a landlord-friendly state without a just cause eviction requirement. Under Texas Property Code Chapter 91 and Chapter 92, a landlord of a month-to-month residential tenancy may terminate the tenancy at will with at least 30 days written notice (unless the lease specifies a different period), without providing a reason. For fixed-term leases, the landlord may not terminate early without cause but is not required to renew at the end of the term. Grounds for eviction during a tenancy include non-payment of rent, material lease violations, nuisance activity, criminal conduct on the premises, and holding over after notice. The eviction process is governed by Texas Property Code Chapter 24 (Forcible Entry and Detainer) and begins with a written notice to vacate, typically 3 days for non-payment unless the lease specifies otherwise. If the tenant does not leave, the landlord files a forcible detainer lawsuit in the Tarrant County Justice of the Peace court for the appropriate precinct. Hearings typically occur within 10 to 21 days of filing. Tenants can appeal to Tarrant County Court at Law within 5 days of judgment. Federal protections such as the CARES Act 30-day notice rule for covered properties still apply. Local just cause eviction ordinances would be preempted by state law, so no such ordinance applies in unincorporated Tarrant County or any city within it.