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Fort Bend County Eviction Court — Landlord Filing Guide (2025)

Everything Texas landlords need to file a Forcible Entry and Detainer (Eviction) in Fort Bend 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

🏛️ Fort Bend County Courthouse Information

⚠️ Fort Bend County — What Landlords Should Know

Fort Bend County follows standard Texas eviction procedures.

Need an Eviction Attorney in Fort Bend County?

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

Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in Fort Bend 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 Fort Bend County Justice Center

After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Fort Bend County Justice Center (1422 Eugene Heimann Cir., Richmond, TX 77469). 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 Fort Bend 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 Fort Bend 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.

Fort Bend County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown

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

How long does an eviction take in Fort Bend County?

The typical Fort Bend 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. Fort Bend County is generally considered a landlord-friendly jurisdiction.

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

The court filing fee in Fort Bend 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 Fort Bend County?

Evictions in Fort Bend County are filed at the Fort Bend County Justice Center, located at 1422 Eugene Heimann Cir., Richmond, TX 77469. The case type is filed as a Forcible Entry and Detainer (Eviction).

Can I file an eviction online in Fort Bend County?

Yes, Fort Bend 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 Fort Bend 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 Fort Bend County?

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The Fort Bend 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 Fort Bend County? See their rights.

Tenant Rights in Fort Bend County →

Relevant Texas Statutes