Tarrant County Eviction Court — Landlord Filing Guide (2025)
Everything Texas landlords need to file a Forcible Entry and Detainer (Eviction) in Tarrant County — fees, courthouse info, timeline, and step-by-step process.
🏛️ Tarrant County Courthouse Information
- Courthouse: Tarrant County Justice of the Peace Courts
- Address: 100 E. Weatherford St., Fort Worth, TX 76196
- Phone: (817) 884-1111
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Case type: Forcible Entry and Detainer (Eviction)
- Online filing: https://efiletexas.gov
⚠️ Tarrant County — What Landlords Should Know
Tarrant County (Fort Worth/Arlington) uses Justice of the Peace courts for evictions. Texas law is landlord-friendly with a streamlined process.
Need an Eviction Attorney in Tarrant County?
Procedural mistakes can get your case dismissed. Get matched with a local Tarrant County eviction attorney — free consultation.
Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in Tarrant County
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.
File Your Forcible Entry and Detainer (Eviction) at Tarrant County Justice of the Peace Courts
After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Tarrant County Justice of the Peace Courts (100 E. Weatherford St., Fort Worth, TX 76196). The filing fee is $104. Bring: your lease agreement, the notice, and proof of service. Online filing is also available at https://efiletexas.gov.
Serve the Summons on the Tenant
After filing, the court issues a summons. In Tarrant 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.
Attend the Court Hearing
Hearings in Tarrant 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.
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.
Tarrant County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown
| Cost | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $104 | Paid to Tarrant 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 — Tarrant County Evictions
How long does an eviction take in Tarrant County?
The typical Tarrant 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. Tarrant County is generally considered a landlord-friendly jurisdiction.
How much does it cost to file an eviction in Tarrant County?
The court filing fee in Tarrant 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 Tarrant County?
Evictions in Tarrant County are filed at the Tarrant County Justice of the Peace Courts, located at 100 E. Weatherford St., Fort Worth, TX 76196. The case type is filed as a Forcible Entry and Detainer (Eviction).
Can I file an eviction online in Tarrant County?
Yes, Tarrant 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 Tarrant 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 Tarrant County?
After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The Tarrant 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 Tarrant County? See their rights.
Tenant Rights in Tarrant County →Relevant Texas Statutes
- Primary eviction statute: Tex. Prop. Code § 24.005
- This guide is for informational purposes only. Laws change — verify with current Texas statutes or a licensed Tarrant County attorney.