Legal Packet

title: Answer to Eviction Petition

state: TX

type: court-doc

date: [FILL: date]

[NOTE: STATE-SPECIFIC] In Texas, eviction cases are typically filed in Justice of the Peace Courts. You must file your answer within 10 days of receiving the citation. Failure to do so may result in a default judgment. See Tex. Prop. Code § 24.005 for deadlines.

IN THE JUSTICE OF THE PEACE COURT

PRECINCT [FILL: precinct number], [FILL: county] COUNTY, TEXAS

[FILL: Plaintiff's Name],

Plaintiff

v.

[FILL: Defendant's Name],

Defendant

Case No.: [FILL: case number]

ANSWER TO EVICTION PETITION

I, [FILL: Defendant's Name], the Defendant in the above-styled and numbered cause, enter this Answer to the Plaintiff's Eviction Petition.

1. Denial of Allegations: I deny each and every allegation in the Plaintiff's Petition that is not specifically admitted below. [FILL: Specify any allegations you admit, if any.]

1. Affirmative Defenses: I assert the following defenses to the eviction:

• [FILL: Defense 1, e.g., Failure to provide proper notice under Tex. Prop. Code § 24.005]
• [FILL: Defense 2, e.g., Breach of warranty of habitability]
• [FILL: Additional defenses as applicable]

1. Request for Relief: I request that the Court deny the Plaintiff's request for eviction and award any other relief deemed just and proper, including but not limited to dismissal of the case and costs.

This Answer is filed pursuant to Tex. Prop. Code § 24.001 et seq., which governs forcible entry and detainer actions in Texas.

[NOTE: STATE-SPECIFIC] In Texas, you may be required to pay rent into the court registry if you remain in possession of the property. See Tex. Prop. Code § 24.0051.

SIGNATURE BLOCK

I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

Executed on [FILL: date] in [FILL: county] County, Texas.

__[FILL: Defendant's Name (Signature)]__

[FILL: Defendant's Printed Name]

[FILL: Defendant's Address]

[FILL: Defendant's City, State, ZIP Code]

[FILL: Defendant's Phone Number]

[FILL: Defendant's Email Address, if available]

[NOTE: STATE-SPECIFIC] Notarization is not typically required for an Answer in Texas eviction cases, but verify with your local court.

Filing Instructions:

• File this document with the Justice of the Peace Court in the precinct where the property is located.
• Filing fee: Approximately $50–$100, depending on the county (check with your local court).
• Serve a copy on the Plaintiff or Plaintiff's attorney.

Templates are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice.