Asuntos Legales Relacionados

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Desalojo y otros problemas con arrendadores

Title

COVID-19 Eviction Answer Toolkit

This toolkit helps you Answer an Eviciton suit during the COVID-19 emergency. It includes an Answer form and tips on what COVID-related defenses to eviction may apply to you.

Instrucciones y formularios

How to Fill Out the COVID-19 Eviction Answer Form

How to Find Out if the CARES Act Protects You from Eviction

Preguntas frecuentes

What is the CDC eviction moratorium?

The Center for Disease Control has halted evictions through the end of 2020 for those who qualify. The CDC did this to slow the spread of COVID-19. See our CDC Eviction Moratorium article for more information.

Local COVID-19 Eviction Protections

Some cities and counties have halted evictions due to COVID-19. Different rules apply to different areas. See a list of local eviction protections on our main COVID-19 Eviction page.

The list may not include all local eviction protections. If your area is not listed, look at your city and county website for more information.

Also be aware that the CARES Act requires a 30 day notice before a landlord can evict someone from certain properties. Through at least December 15, Texas requires all landlords to swear whether the CARES Act applies and whether they gave the tenant the required 30 Days notice.

Where do I file the Answer to my eviction case?

You need to file with the Justice Court that issued the Eviction Citation. This should be in the same precinct as the property.

You may be able to file online at efiletexas.gov. If you have trouble filing online, you may be able to file in person with the court clerk. If you can't file online and the court clerk's office is closed, contact the court clerk to find out how to file.

How long do I have to file an Answer in my eviction case?

The Eviction Citation should say when your Answer is due. Eviction cases move fast. Your hearing could take place as soon as 10 days after your landlord files a Petition for Eviction. At the latest, your hearing must be within 21 days of the Petition.

Am I required to file an Answer?

In Texas eviction cases, no. If you fail to file an Answer, you should still go to the hearing. However, there are good reasons to file an Answer:

It lets you tell the judge in writing why you should not be evicted.
It requires the judge to look at the evidence before making a decision.
If you want to appeal the decision to County Court, you have to submit an Answer if you have not already done so.

What is the CARES Act?

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is a federal law passed to help people and businesses during COVID-19. Most of these protections have ended, but the Act still requires covered landlords to give 30 days notice before filing for eviction. Through at least September 30, Texas requires all landlords to swear whether the CARES Act applies to an eviction case and whether they gave the tenant the required 30 Days notice.

See this article from Texas RioGrande Legal Aid for more information about the CARES Act, including a list of programs that trigger tenant protections.

What is a general denial?

A general denial tells the court that you disagree with what the other side says in their filings. By saying you disagree with what the other side says, you help make sure that the court requires the other side to prove their case. Most Answer forms on TexasLawHelp contain a general denial.