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Law Pebble

Houston, TX: Tenant Rules, Courts and Legal Help

How is this page verified?Every figure on this page comes from a source listed on it: published 50-state surveys that we cross-check (a number appears only when at least two agree) or the official government page named under Sources. Local rules were read on the official page on 2026-10-20 and are re-checked on a schedule. Laws change, so confirm with the source before you act.How we verifyBy Law Pebble Editorial Team

In Houston, evictions and small claims cases are heard in Harris County Justice Courts, with their own rules.

Houston by the numbers

MeasureFigureNote
Population (2024 estimate)2,390,125City of Houston, up 3.9% since the 2020 census base.
Poverty rate, Harris County16.7%Census SAIPE 2024 county estimate.
Median household income, Harris County$74,682Census SAIPE 2024 county estimate.
Traffic deaths, Harris County, 202255811.14 per 100,000 residents (countywide, not city only). NHTSA FARS.

Where cases are heard

Houston is in Harris County, where Justice Courts handle civil matters of up to $20,000 (excluding interest and costs but including attorney fees), including small claims, debt claims and evictions. Texas has heard small claims in justice courts since August 31, 2013.

  • Small claims cases follow Texas Rules of Civil Procedure 500 to 507.
  • Debt claim cases follow Rules 500 to 507 and Rule 508.
  • Eviction cases follow Rules 500 to 507 and Rule 510.
  • Justice courts cannot hear divorces, slander or defamation suits, suits over title to land or suits to enforce a lien on land.

Representing yourself

Individuals may represent themselves or hire a lawyer, and a self-represented person may get unpaid help from a family member or another person if the court finds it necessary. Companies can be represented by a non-attorney employee, owner, officer or partner, and in eviction cases a property manager or other authorized agent may also appear. The Texas Rules of Evidence generally do not apply unless the judge decides one must be followed for fairness or because the law requires it. Court clerks and justices of the peace cannot give legal advice.

If you are facing an eviction case

  1. Read the citation for the hearing date and do not miss it.
  2. Collect your lease, payment records, photos and messages.
  3. Check the Harris County Justice Courts website for your case date and daily dockets.
  4. Read our guides on how evictions work and on tenant repairs and habitability.
  5. Ask a legal aid provider or tenant organization for help before the hearing.

Texas rules that also apply in Houston

City rules sit on top of state law. In Texas, individuals can bring small claims of up to $20,000, the personal injury filing deadline is generally 2 years and landlords have about 30 days to return a security deposit. See the full Texas legal guide for statutes and notes.

Small claims limit$20,000
Personal injury deadline2 years
Security deposit return30 days

Related guides: how evictions work, security deposit rules, tenant repairs and habitability and how small claims court works.

Where to get help in Houston

Sources and how we checked

Local rules above were read on the official pages below on 2026-10-20. City rules change, so check the page before you act.

  • Harris County Justice Courts: About civil suits
  • Population: U.S. Census Bureau Vintage 2024 estimates (SUB-EST2024).
  • Poverty and income: Census Bureau SAIPE 2024 county estimates.
  • Traffic deaths: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 2022 data, summed by county.