Texas Supreme Temp. Halts Eviction Proceedings

[DocHoliday]

On March 19, the Texas Supreme Court issued an Order that No trial, hearing, or other proceeding, regarding residential evictions, may be conducted, and all deadlines are tolled, until after April 19, 2020. There are exceptions to the order. Commercial evictions are not affected by the March 19th Eviction Order. Also the commission of criminal acts by the lessee are an exception.

This has been a PSA by Ol' Doc.

https://www.txcourts.gov/media/1446203/209045.pdf

[Cameron]

So, for the ladies who don't understand: during this time, no evictions will take place in Texas. Except commercial buildings/ businesses?

My question: do ALL Houston apartment complexes HAVE to abide by this law?

[chloevankatie]

It doesn't mean you won't be eventually evicted, it just means that eviction proceedings are delayed until April 19th. So if you have a court date it will have to wait til after then.

And apartment complexes are residential so it would apply to all residential residences.

[DocHoliday]

So, for the ladies who don't understand: during this time, no evictions will take place in Texas. Except commercial buildings/ businesses? Correct. Commercial evictions will also not take place because they are not emergency proceedings. The only cases being heard now are emergency proceedings. Courts may accept eviction petitions at this time but they are not to issue process for service or hear any eviction until at least April 20th.

My question: do ALL Houston apartment complexes HAVE to abide by this law?

It's NOT the apartment complexes, it's the courts obeying an order from the Supreme Court of Texas. The TSC is telling the Justice Court (the courts with original jurisdiction to hear eviction proceedings), you shall NOT hold court on eviction cases that are non-emergency in nature.

[chloevankatie]

It's NOT the apartment complexes, it's the courts obeying an order from the Supreme Court of Texas. The TSC is telling the Justice Court (the courts with original jurisdiction to hear eviction proceedings), you shall NOT hold court on eviction cases that are non-emergency in nature.

Like Doc said, it's not the complex, it's the court that is not hearing cases til April 19th. So anyone can still be evicted by their landlord, the landlord just can't get the court to do anything about it til April 19th unless it's an emergency.

IMO, it's not really much of a comfort to those who have lost their income at this time, because the evictions will still be processed. They will just be processed at a later date.

[DocHoliday]

Also I should note, if a landlord (yes I have seen this happen more than once) goes out and takes the door off your residence and/or pulls your electric meter, that is an emergency matter that may be heard by the court without delay.

[chloevankatie]

But you know, I would think it would not really be a great benefit for landlords to issue mass evictions to tenants who have otherwise been good tenants and lost their income at this time. I would think it would be more beneficial to work out extenuating circumstances. If they evict everyone, and are left with tons of empty units and most prospective renters have no income, it will be a disaster, not only for homelessnes but also for apartment complexes.

[DocHoliday]

I think they will do just as you are suggesting ^^^^. You are wise indeed lovely lady.

[Brooke Wilde]

The easiest way to put it is that the courts WILL NOT BE ACCEPTING ANY EVICTIONS & NO EVICTIONS WILL BE ON THE DOCKET UNTIL AT LEAST APRIL 19TH.

Per Harris County - all (I think its 16) Justice of the Peaces are not even accepting eviction paperwork until 4/19/20.

Yes, you'll still owe all the back rent you didn't pay if you want to avoid being evicted once the courts start accepting cases again.

Also, this does not apply to people that have been living at hotels.

[The1Slayer]

I own quite a few duplexes and triplex homes and I already let my tenants know that they will NOT need to pay rent this coming month because of what's happening....... I am very lucky to have all great tenants so, as the lovely Katie stated, I would be shooting myself in the foot if I evicted them especially since they are all good tenants.

A few asked me when will they be able to pay me back...... I told them it is a FREE month. My gift to them........

[ck1942]

^^^ a very generous offer from a compassionate landlord.

Please make sure they get proper paperwork to cover the gap.

[DocHoliday]

I own quite a few duplexes and triplex homes and I already let my tenants know that they will NOT need to pay rent this coming month because of what's happening.......

A few asked me when will they be able to pay me back...... I told them it is a FREE month. My gift to them........

Slayer my brother, that ^^^^ is a very cool and humanitarian gesture. The next time we get together, I’m buying the drinks Bro. Now who was saying that Slayer winning Hobbyist of the Year was rigged???? Mayor Turner should give Slayer a key to the city. Keep rockin it brother.

[The1Slayer]

^^^ a very generous offer from a compassionate landlord.

Please make sure they get proper paperwork to cover the gap.

Absolutely Bossman.....!! Got it covered.

[Ben Rhimene]

Slayer the benevolent slumlord!

[DocHoliday]

Slayer the benevolent slumlord!

^^^^^ Very uncool!!!!