How Much Does an Eviction Cost in Texas? (Verified 2026 County Fees)
Updated 2026-07-01 · Reflects SB 38 (eff. Jan 1, 2026)Filing an eviction in Texas costs roughly $134–$171 for filing plus service of one tenant in the major metro counties, based on the counties' own published fee schedules (verified July 1, 2026). A writ of possession — the order that actually removes a tenant who won't leave after judgment — adds $160 to $405 depending on the county.
Verified filing fees by county
| County | Filing + service (1 tenant) | Writ of possession | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harris County | $139 | $160 | official schedule (revised Jan. 2025) |
| Dallas County | $134 | $405 | official schedule (effective Jan. 1, 2026) |
| Tarrant County | $54 + constable service (billed separately by precinct) | $5 + constable service | official schedule (effective Jan. 1, 2024) |
| Bexar County | $171 | $287 | official schedule (2025 schedule) |
| Travis County | $144 | $205 | official schedule (effective Jan. 1, 2026) |
Each additional tenant who must be served adds roughly $80–$117 depending on the county. Fee schedules change — the source links above are the counties' official documents, and the numbers here were checked against them on July 1, 2026.
Costs beyond the courthouse
Budget for the writ of possession if the tenant doesn't leave after judgment ($160–$405 above), a $22 jury fee if either side demands one, and appeal costs if the tenant appeals (the case restarts in county court). The bigger cost is usually time: every week of a contested eviction is another week of unpaid rent, which is why serving a correct notice the first time matters more than any fee.
What you don't have to pay for
You don't need a lawyer for justice court (self-representation is normal), and you don't need to buy the petition — the official Texas justice-court eviction forms are free. LandLawKit keeps the current TJCTC set, including the forms updated for SB 38, ready to fill online.
The same petition and forms the justice courts publish, ready to fill.
Frequently asked questions
What is the eviction filing fee in Harris County?
$139 total for filing plus constable service of one tenant ($54 court costs + $85 service), per the Harris County Justice Courts fee schedule.
What does a writ of possession cost in Texas?
It varies widely by county: about $160 in Harris, $205 in Travis, $287 in Bexar, and $405 in Dallas, per each county's current schedule.
Can I recover these costs from the tenant?
If you win, the judgment can include court costs, and attorney's fees where authorized by the lease or by proper notice under §24.006.
More Texas guides
- How to Evict a Tenant in Texas (2026 Rules)
- Texas 3-Day Notice to Vacate & Pay-or-Vacate Notice (2026)
- Texas Eviction Timeline: How Long It Takes in 2026
- SB 38: What Changed in Texas Eviction Law on January 1, 2026
- Texas Security Deposit Rules: The 30-Day Return Deadline
- Texas Late Fees: The 2-Day Grace Period and 10–12% Caps