Eviction Laws In Texas
I am considering buying some rental property in Texas. Could anyone give any information about the eviction process? Thanks
I am considering buying some rental property in Texas. Could anyone give any information about the eviction process? Thanks
google "texas eviction process"
I met w/my CPA who owns 125 properties in TX and he said in TX you can get through the eviction process in 25 days. Once you have the approved eviction and if the tenants are still in the house, you can put their stuff out on the curb -- no holding requirement. I found this very interesting.
However, he claims that if you have a squatter in your property you have to go through the entire eviction process. He felt fairly certain of this even though all the other states I own and manage in (NY, WA & CA) you can call the cops and have them removed.
FYI
All of our leases automatically go to month to month at the end of the lease term. Unless we want to raise the rent or change some other term or condition, we leave the original lease in place. Four of our current tenants have been month to month for over three years.
Jim
All our leases are renewable for either 6 or 12 months, the 6 mo payments are higher. We have never had a month to month, although in some instances I wish we had. Shorter terms usually mean higher payments.
good luck,
Tenants rarely leave a prop they like because of the lease terms.
royalfortune,
I would have some concerns with all my leases ending at the exact same time. I would hate to have all my vacancies at once, repair bills, listings,etc. I appreciate the idea of trying to eliminate winter vacancies but you might want to consider staggering the expiration date over a few months. Obviously, I am assuming you have a lot of rentals but if you only had a few maybe this is less of a concern.
As far as our leases, we renew every year. If the tenant wants to go M-to-M we charge an additional fee. I have also offered a small increase for a two-year lease which is beneficial to both parties.
We usually just have them roll over to month to month stating at this time the owner doesnt choose to activate another lease. Most tenants are ok with this. It seems the lease makes them feel secure in the fact they will be in that property for another year as property here has been changing hands so quickly.
My standard practice is to only give annual lease renewals. Lenders like to see that I have stable rental income when I present annual leases as proof of my income. This may not be a concern if you have a job as your primary income source.
Lately, I have been offering two year lease renewal options. "Mr Tenant, your rent increase this year will be $50 and most likely another $50 next year. If you would like a two year lease, your rent increase will be $65."More often than not, my stable, long term tenants -- those not on Section 8 -- will take the two year pricing option because it saves them a little money in the long run. It gives me a little more money a year earlier and stronger verification of income for my lenders
[ Edited by NewKidInTown3 on Date 02/11/2007 ]