Justice Court Case Types
Small Claims
A small claims case is a lawsuit brought for the recovery of money damages, civil penalties, personal property, or other relief allowed by law. The claim can be for no more than $20,000, excluding statutory interest and court costs but including attorney fees, if any. Small Claims cases are governed by Rules 500 through 507 of Part V of the Rules of Civil Procedure.
Debt Claim
A debt claim case is a lawsuit brought to recover a debt by an assignee of a claim, a debt collector or collection agency, a financial institution, or a person or entity primarily engaged in the business of lending money at interest. The claim can be for no more than $20,000, excluding statutory interest and court costs but including attorney fees, if any. Debt Claim cases in justice court are governed by Rules 500 through 507 and 508 of Part V of the Rules of Civil Procedure.
Eviction
An eviction case is a lawsuit brought to recover possession of real property, often by a landlord against a tenant. A claim for rent may be joined with an eviction case if the amount of rent due and unpaid is not more than $20,000, excluding statutory interest and court costs but including attorney fees, if any. Eviction cases are governed by Rules 500 through 507 and 510 of Part V of the Rules of Civil Procedure (and Property Code Chapters 24, 92 and 94).
Repair & Remedy
A repair and remedy case is a lawsuit filed by a residential tenant under Chapter 92, Subchapter B of the Texas Property Code to enforce the landlord’s duty to repair or remedy a condition materially affecting the physical health or safety of an ordinary tenant. The relief sought can be for no more than $10,000, excluding statutory interest and court costs but including attorney fees, if any. Repair and Remedy cases are governed by Rules 500 through 507 and 509 of Part V of the Rules of Civil Procedure (and Property Code Section 92.0563).
Other Hearing Types
Some of the other matters heard in the justice court include:
