Bexar County Eviction Court β€” Landlord Filing Guide (2025)

Everything Texas landlords need to file a Forcible Entry and Detainer (Eviction) in Bexar County β€” fees, courthouse info, timeline, and step-by-step process.

$104
Filing fee
2–3 weeks
Hearing wait
3–5 weeks
Total process
E-File βœ“
Filing method

πŸ›οΈ Bexar County Courthouse Information

⚠️ Bexar County β€” What Landlords Should Know

Bexar County (San Antonio) uses Justice of the Peace courts. San Antonio does not have rent control.

Need an Eviction Attorney in Bexar County?

Procedural mistakes can get your case dismissed. Get matched with a local Bexar County eviction attorney β€” free consultation.

Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in Bexar County

1

Serve the Required Notice

Before filing, you must serve a written notice. For non-payment of rent, a 3-day Pay or Quit notice is required. For lease violations, serve a 3-day Cure or Quit notice. Make sure the notice is properly formatted and personally served or posted per Texas law.

2

File Your Forcible Entry and Detainer (Eviction) at Bexar County Justice Center

After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Bexar County Justice Center (300 Dolorosa St., San Antonio, TX 78205). The filing fee is $104. Bring: your lease agreement, the notice, and proof of service. Online filing is also available at https://efiletexas.gov.

3

Serve the Summons on the Tenant

After filing, the court issues a summons. In Bexar County, service is typically handled by the Sheriff's office or a licensed process server for a fee of $75. You must NOT serve the summons yourself β€” improper service can get your case dismissed.

4

Attend the Court Hearing

Hearings in Bexar County are typically scheduled 2–3 weeks after filing. Attend with all documentation: lease, notices, payment records, and proof of service. If the tenant doesn't appear, you may receive a default judgment. Come prepared to present your case clearly.

5

Obtain and Enforce the Writ of Possession

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the clerk. The Texas Sheriff's office will serve the writ and oversee removal if the tenant refuses to leave voluntarily. Do NOT change locks or remove property yourself β€” this constitutes illegal self-help eviction in Texas.

Bexar County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown

Cost Amount Notes
Court Filing Fee $104 Paid to Bexar County Clerk of Court
Summons Service $75 Sheriff or process server fee
Writ of Possession ~$64–$75 Sheriff enforcement after judgment
Attorney (optional) $400–$1500 Recommended for contested cases

Frequently Asked Questions β€” Bexar County Evictions

How long does an eviction take in Bexar County?

The typical Bexar County eviction takes 3–5 weeks from serving the initial notice to enforcement β€” assuming the tenant does not contest. A contested eviction can take significantly longer. Bexar County is generally considered a landlord-friendly jurisdiction.

How much does it cost to file an eviction in Bexar County?

The court filing fee in Bexar County is $104. Additional costs typically include: process service or sheriff fee ($75), Writ of Possession enforcement (~$64–$75), and attorney fees if represented ($400–$1500). Total out-of-pocket without an attorney is typically $243–$254.

What court handles evictions in Bexar County?

Evictions in Bexar County are filed at the Bexar County Justice Center, located at 300 Dolorosa St., San Antonio, TX 78205. The case type is filed as a Forcible Entry and Detainer (Eviction).

Can I file an eviction online in Bexar County?

Yes, Bexar County accepts electronic filing for eviction cases through https://efiletexas.gov. You can file the complaint and pay fees online, though in-person service of process is still typically required.

Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant in Bexar County?

Texas law allows landlords to represent themselves in eviction court. However, having an attorney reduces the risk of procedural dismissals and improves outcomes, especially in contested cases.

What happens if the tenant doesn't leave after the eviction judgment in Bexar County?

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The Bexar County Sheriff's office will then execute the writ β€” notifying the tenant to vacate, and physically removing them if they refuse. Do NOT attempt to remove the tenant yourself; self-help eviction is illegal in Texas.

Relevant Texas Statutes