Texas Writ of Possession: The Last Step of an Eviction
Updated 2026-07-01 · Reflects SB 38 (eff. Jan 1, 2026)A writ of possession is the court order that physically ends a Texas eviction: if the tenant hasn't left and hasn't appealed within 5 days of the judgment, you request the writ, pay the county's fee ($160–$405 in the metro counties), and a constable posts a 24-hour warning on the door before supervising the removal of the tenant and their belongings.
When you can get it
The earliest is the 6th day after judgment (the tenant's 5-day appeal window must pass). If the tenant appeals — and pays the rent set in the judgment into the court registry (within 5 days, then each rent period) as required to stay in possession (§24.0053) — the writ waits for the county-court outcome. Under SB 38 the constable must serve the writ within 5 business days of issuance, or another trained officer may (§24.0061(b-1)).
What it costs, county by county
Writ fees vary more than filing fees: about $160 in Harris, $205 in Travis, $287 in Bexar, and $405 in Dallas, per each county's current published schedule (verified July 1, 2026). The fee covers the constable's execution, not moving or storage.
Execution day
The constable posts the 24-hour notice, then returns to supervise. Belongings are placed outside the unit at a nearby location (not blocking sidewalks, passageways, or streets, and not while it is raining, sleeting, or snowing) (§24.0061(d)(2)); Texas doesn't make the landlord store them after a writ (different from the rules for abandoned property mid-tenancy). Have labor ready — the constable supervises but doesn't move boxes.
Every step, deadline, and form in one place.
Frequently asked questions
Can the tenant stop the writ by paying?
After judgment, payment doesn't automatically stop a writ for possession — that ship sailed with the judgment. Only an appeal (with the rent set in the judgment paid into the court registry) pauses it.
How long is a writ valid?
The writ must generally be executed promptly after issuance; coordinate the constable's schedule when you request it, and re-request if it lapses.
Do I need the writ if the tenant already left?
No — if you have possession back, skip it and save the fee. Confirm abandonment before changing locks.
More Texas guides
- How to Evict a Tenant in Texas (2026 Rules)
- Texas 3-Day Notice to Vacate & Pay-or-Vacate Notice (2026)
- How Much Does an Eviction Cost in Texas? (Verified 2026 County Fees)
- 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