EVICTIONS AND FAMILY VIOLENCE LEASE TERMINATIONS
There are many circumstances under which individuals might need access to information
about the eviction process in Travis County. At Victim Services, our clients often need to
know how to legally evict an offender from their home or property. We also meet many
victims who need information about their rights because they are at risk of being evicted.
Further, there are victims of family violence who need information about moving without lease
penalties due to safety concerns.
The Eviction Process
The eviction process is a formal procedure that includes going to the justice of the peace (JP)
court or possibly to a higher court. Evictions can be complicated. To fully understand the
eviction process and applicable laws, we recommend that you visit the Austin Tenants
Council website (listed below) for a concise explanation of the process and detailed tenants’
rights information. For a link to the Travis County Justice of the Peace website and contact
list, please see the resources listed below.
Family Violence Lease Terminations
Under Texas law, victims of family violence who meet certain criteria have the right to
terminate a lease without liability for future rent and/or any other sums due under the lease
for terminating the lease before the end of the lease term. If you are a victim of family
violence and need to relocate for safety, and need information about advocating with your
landlord, contact the TCSO Family Violence Protection Team at (512) 854-4393.
What does the law say?
See: http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us
Select:
Code:
Property Code
Article/Chapter:
Chapter 92. Residential Tenancies
Art. /Sec.:
Sec. 92.016. Right to Vacate and Avoid Liability Following Family
Violence
and
Sec. 92.0161. Right to Vacate and Avoid Liability Following
Certain Sex Offenses
Available Resources
Austin Tenants Council:
Telephone Counseling – (512) 474-1961 (M-F from 9 am to 12 pm & 1 pm - 4 pm)
Appointments – (512) 474-7006 (M-R from 1 pm - 4 pm)
www.housing-rights.org/evictions.html
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www.tcsheriff.org
Updated 5/11
Travis County Justice of the Peace – Civil Division: (512) 854-9050
www.co.travis.tx.us/justices_of_peace/default.asp
Attorney General of Texas – Office of Consumer Protection: 1 (800) 621-0508
www.oag.state.tx.us/consumer/complain.shtml
Dispute Resolution Center: (512) 371-0033
www.austindrc.org
Provides mediation services to anyone involved in a dispute. A nominal fee is requested.
Lawyer Referral Service of Central Texas (LRS): (512) 472-8303 or 1 (866) 303-8303
www.austinlrs.com
Low-cost lawyer referral match program and Free legal hotline once a month
Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid: 1 (888) 988-9996 or (512) 374-2700
www.trla.org
Free legal services for low-income individuals that qualify
Texas Tenants’ Union: (214) 823-2733
www.txtenants.org
Offers free weekly tenants’ rights workshops; organizing assistance at the apartment complex
level; written information; counseling; training; referral services
Travis Central Appraisal District: (512) 834-9317
www.traviscad.org
Allows users to find who owns a rental property
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www.tcsheriff.org
Updated 5/11