Eviction Law in Corpus Christi, TX
Every landlord hopes for a smooth tenancy, but when rent goes unpaid or lease terms are repeatedly violated, action becomes necessary. The eviction process is a legal safeguard—but it can also be a frustrating maze of procedures, deadlines, and tenant defenses that stall your efforts and drain your resources.
Texas law gives landlords the right to protect their property, but Corpus Christi landlords must still follow a clear timeline and meet specific notice requirements before filing in court. One misstep can delay the process or cost you the case entirely.
Get informed, act confidently, and let us help you find a local attorney to take the pressure off your shoulders.
What Is an Eviction?
Eviction is the legal process of removing a tenant from a property after serious issues like nonpayment of rent or repeated violations of the lease. While landlords in Corpus Christi have the right to reclaim their property, Texas eviction laws include specific steps and waiting periods that must be followed. Skipping even one of these steps can lead to delays or dismissal in court.
Not every eviction notice ends in a tenant being forced out. In many cases, the notice itself acts as a final opportunity for the tenant to fix the issue—whether that means catching up on unpaid rent or correcting a lease violation.
When Can Landlords Send a Termination Notice?
The Tenant Doesn’t Pay Rent
If your Corpus Christi tenant regularly fails to pay rent on time—or stops paying altogether—you likely have legal grounds to pursue eviction. While an occasional late payment might be forgiven in some cases, chronic late rent is a different matter. Repeated missed deadlines show a pattern, and Texas law allows landlords to take action when that pattern becomes disruptive or financially harmful.
According to the Texas Property Code, landlords must wait two full days after rent is due before they can charge a late fee. Additionally, any late fees must be clearly outlined in the written lease agreement. If the lease does not mention fees or deadlines, enforcing them becomes far more difficult.
To protect yourself, issue formal “late rent” notices each time your tenant falls behind. Document every missed payment and keep copies of all communications.
The Tenant Violates the Terms or Conditions of the Lease Agreement
When a tenant breaks the terms of the lease, it can open the door for eviction. Lease agreements are legally enforceable, and violations such as unauthorized occupants, subletting without permission, or operating a business from the home may all qualify. If the lease clearly prohibits a certain behavior and the tenant ignores that provision, you have the right to issue a formal notice and begin the eviction process.
That said, the lease binds both parties. If you’re a landlord in Corpus Christi, Texas, you also have legal responsibilities—such as maintaining the premises, honoring repair obligations, and respecting tenant privacy. A strong lease agreement protects both sides, but you must follow it just as closely as your tenant is expected to.
The Tenant Damages the Property
Every rental property shows signs of normal use over time—scuffed floors, faded paint, or a loose cabinet hinge. These are expected. But when tenants go beyond wear and tear—damaging doors, smashing windows, or punching holes in the walls—it crosses the line into negligence or willful destruction, which may justify eviction.
If the tenant tries to repair the damage on their own or if the issue is minor, it may not be worth escalating. However, persistent or severe damage that impacts the safety or livability of the unit is a different matter.
The Tenant Uses the Property for Illegal Purposes
Illegal activity on your property—whether it involves drugs, weapons, or any other criminal enterprise—is a serious violation that can warrant immediate legal action. Not only does this activity put your property at risk, but it also threatens the safety of other tenants and the surrounding community.
To support your claim, you’ll need more than just suspicions. If Corpus Christi law enforcement has been involved, request copies of police reports or incident documentation.
How to Evict a Tenant in Corpus Christi, Texas
If you want to evict a tenant for any reason, then you need to understand the eviction process. Here’s how it works.
Step 1. Check Your Local Laws
Eviction laws in Texas—and even more specifically in Corpus Christi—have their own unique procedures and protections. Before issuing a notice, make sure your reason for eviction is legally valid under state and local regulations.
Texas law also provides strong tenant protections against retaliation. According to the Texas Attorney General, landlords in Corpus Christi cannot evict a tenant simply because they requested repairs or filed a legitimate complaint.
That said, tenants cannot legally withhold rent in protest of poor maintenance. If discrimination or retaliation is suspected, Corpus Christi Fair Housing (CCFH) offers services to help resolve disputes and ensure compliance with fair housing standards.
Step 2. Give a Formal Notice of Eviction
When informal conversations and reminders no longer work, a formal eviction notice becomes the next necessary step. This notice should clearly outline how the tenant has violated the lease—whether through nonpayment of rent, property damage, or other breaches. It should also explain what actions the tenant can take, if any, to avoid eviction. In many cases, this notice serves as a final opportunity to resolve the issue before legal proceedings begin.
Be sure to include the total amount owed (if applicable) and a clear deadline by which the tenant must pay the balance or vacate the unit. If you’re unsure how to format the document or what language to include, online legal templates can help, or you can consult an attorney.
In Corpus Christi, the eviction process officially begins with a written Notice to Vacate. Texas law requires landlords to give at least three days’ notice before filing an eviction suit, unless the lease specifies a different timeline.
The Nueces County Courts require that eviction complaints be filed under oath, and they recommend listing all tenants named on the lease in the lawsuit. As of the latest court fee schedule, filing and serving one tenant costs $116, with an additional $75 per extra tenant.
Step 3. File the Eviction with the Court
Once you’ve issued a valid Notice to Vacate and the deadline has passed, the next step is to file your eviction case. In Corpus Christi, eviction cases are typically handled by a Nueces County Justice of the Peace.
After your case is filed, the court will set a hearing date and notify the tenant via a summons. Timing is critical, so do not delay in submitting your documentation and fees to ensure the process moves forward.
Step 4. Contact an Experienced Corpus Christi, Texas Eviction Attorney and Prepare for the Hearing
Partnering with a qualified Corpus Christi eviction attorney can help you prepare your case and avoid procedural errors that could delay or derail your claim. Your attorney can guide you through filing requirements, hearing expectations, and how to present your evidence effectively.
For the hearing, gather and bring the following materials:
- A signed copy of the lease agreement
- Payment records showing missed or partial rent
- Any bounced or returned checks
- Written or digital communications with the tenant
- A copy of the eviction notice you served
- Documentation proving the tenant received the notice
Step 5. Evict the Tenant
If the court rules in your favor, the judge will issue a writ of possession, giving your tenant a limited time to vacate the property. In Corpus Christi, this period typically lasts between 48 hours and seven days.
If the tenant refuses to leave voluntarily, you can request assistance from local law enforcement to carry out the eviction. Do not attempt to remove the tenant or their belongings yourself, as this could expose you to legal risk.
Step 6. Collect Past-Due Rent Payments
Winning possession of your property does not guarantee recovery of unpaid rent. If the tenant still owes you money, you may need to pursue additional legal options to collect the debt. Landlords in Corpus Christi can consider the following strategies:
- Hire a private debt collection agency to pursue the balance
- File for wage garnishment, if permitted by the court
- Attempt to garnish the tenant’s state or federal tax refund
- Bring a claim in small claims court to recover the outstanding amount
Work with an Experienced Eviction Attorney in Corpus Christi, Texas
Tenants in Corpus Christi may try to challenge an eviction by claiming you skipped a step or failed to follow the legal process. That is why having an experienced Corpus Christi eviction attorney in your corner can make all the difference. A knowledgeable attorney can help you stay compliant, protect your rights, and represent your best interests in court.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area! We can even help you connect with an attorney across Texas state lines.
About the Author
Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.
With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.
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