Friend of mine from out of state needs to evict a tenant in Houston…
What are the basic steps for eviction?..Sending a 3-day or 5-day (not sure how many days in Houston) pay-rent-or-quit notice?..Will any basic fom do?..Does somebody have one they could forward on?
How much would it normally cost to have an attorney handle everything, not including the actual setting out of furniture?..He’ll be going to Texas when that day comes, to change locks, etc…Any specific attorneys you could recommend?
I recommend your friend goes into the legal section on Craigslist or even do a search for flat rate evictions in the TX area. Here in Fl I have an attorney that does it for $200 plus all court/police fees which is about $250. So it really is a great price but it is based on an uncontested eviction, meaning renter does not show up to court and try and drag on the eviction or contest, it simple goes unanswered and judge signs the documents. Chances are in TX they have similar lawyers doing this.
Best thing is to have the lawyer trype the letter, usually included in the cost so it is worded correctly with the right statute. BUt he does need to send them a 3 or 5 day letter depending on the wording of his lease with them as statute plus he may have to allow extra days if payment is due out of state. Ex. I have a rental property in county next to mine, but have to give tenant extra 5 business days for rent to be paid on my 3 day to evict letter so it actually is 8 business days (2 weeks basically)
I work with a RE attorney in Houston that handles my foreclosures and paperwork, but never used him for evictions since I do not rent. If you like, I can give you his contact information and you guys figure out his fees. He came to San Antonio and managed my foreclosure at an extremely reasonable rate (as far as I am concerned), but I do have long term relationship with him.