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Denton County Eviction Court — Landlord Filing Guide (2025)

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

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

🏛️ Denton County Courthouse Information

⚠️ Denton County — What Landlords Should Know

Denton County follows standard Texas eviction procedures through Justice of the Peace courts.

Need an Eviction Attorney in Denton County?

Procedural mistakes can get your case dismissed. Get matched with a local Denton County eviction attorney — free consultation.

Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in Denton 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 Denton County Courts Building

After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Denton County Courts Building (1450 E. McKinney St., Denton, TX 76209). 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 Denton 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 — improper service can get your case dismissed.

4

Attend the Court Hearing

Hearings in Denton 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 — this constitutes illegal self-help eviction in Texas.

Denton County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown

Cost Amount Notes
Court Filing Fee $104 Paid to Denton 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 — Denton County Evictions

How long does an eviction take in Denton County?

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

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

The court filing fee in Denton 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 Denton County?

Evictions in Denton County are filed at the Denton County Courts Building, located at 1450 E. McKinney St., Denton, TX 76209. The case type is filed as a Forcible Entry and Detainer (Eviction).

Can I file an eviction online in Denton County?

Yes, Denton 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 Denton 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 Denton County?

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The Denton County Sheriff's office will then execute the writ — 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.

See full Texas eviction laws and notice requirements.

Texas Eviction Guide for Landlords →

Download the eviction notice you must serve before filing in Texas.

Texas Eviction Notice Templates →

Is your tenant facing eviction in Denton County? See their rights.

Tenant Rights in Denton County →

Relevant Texas Statutes