Last updated: August 4, 2026
Texas Eviction Notice Templates: Free Forms (2026)
Copy-paste eviction notice templates for Texas landlords — 3-day notice to vacate, 30-day termination, and lease violation notices. Compliant with Property Code §24.005.
Key Takeaways
- 3 templates included: 3-day notice (nonpayment), 30-day termination, and lease violation notice
- Service methods: personal delivery, mail to premises, or posting on inside of main entry door (§24.005)
- The notice period can be modified in the lease (1 day or 0 with explicit clause)
- Filing before the notice period expires invalidates the eviction
- All templates comply with Texas Property Code Chapter 24
Which Notice to Use
| Situation | Notice Type | Notice Period |
|---|---|---|
| Tenant has not paid rent | 3-Day Notice to Vacate | 3 days (default; lease may modify) |
| Month-to-month, no cause needed | 30-Day Notice to Terminate | 30 days (or as specified in lease) |
| Tenant violating lease terms | Notice to Cure Lease Violation | Cure period specified in notice |
| Lease expired, tenant holds over | 3-Day Notice to Vacate | 3 days (holdover tenant) |
Notice Templates
1. Three-Day Notice to Vacate (Nonpayment of Rent)
NOTICE TO VACATE
Date: [DATE]
To: [TENANT NAME(S)]
[PROPERTY ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP]
You are hereby notified to vacate the premises located at [FULL PROPERTY ADDRESS INCLUDING UNIT NUMBER] within three (3) days from the date this notice is delivered to you.
This notice is given because you have failed to pay rent in the amount of $[AMOUNT] due on [DUE DATE] for the rental period of [MONTH/YEAR].
If you fail to vacate the premises within three (3) days, legal proceedings may be initiated against you to recover possession of the premises, unpaid rent, court costs, and attorney fees as provided by Texas law.
This notice is given pursuant to Section 24.005 of the Texas Property Code.
____________________________
[LANDLORD/AGENT NAME]
[LANDLORD/AGENT ADDRESS]
[PHONE NUMBER]
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I certify that this notice was delivered on [DATE] by:
[ ] Personal delivery to tenant or person 16+ residing at premises
[ ] Mailing to premises by regular mail
[ ] Posting on the inside of the main entry door
____________________________
Signature
2. Thirty-Day Notice to Terminate (Month-to-Month)
NOTICE OF TERMINATION OF MONTH-TO-MONTH TENANCY
Date: [DATE]
To: [TENANT NAME(S)]
[PROPERTY ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP]
You are hereby notified that your month-to-month tenancy at [FULL PROPERTY ADDRESS INCLUDING UNIT NUMBER] will be terminated effective [DATE AT LEAST 30 DAYS FROM DELIVERY].
You are required to vacate the premises and surrender possession on or before the termination date stated above. All keys, garage door openers, and access devices must be returned at that time.
Your security deposit will be handled in accordance with Section 92.103 of the Texas Property Code. Please provide a forwarding address in writing to receive your deposit refund or itemized statement of deductions within 30 days of move-out.
If you fail to vacate by the termination date, legal proceedings may be initiated to recover possession of the premises.
____________________________
[LANDLORD/AGENT NAME]
[LANDLORD/AGENT ADDRESS]
[PHONE NUMBER]
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I certify that this notice was delivered on [DATE] by:
[ ] Personal delivery to tenant or person 16+ residing at premises
[ ] Mailing to premises by regular mail
[ ] Posting on the inside of the main entry door
____________________________
Signature
3. Notice to Cure Lease Violation
NOTICE TO CURE LEASE VIOLATION
Date: [DATE]
To: [TENANT NAME(S)]
[PROPERTY ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP]
You are hereby notified that you are in violation of the terms of your lease agreement dated [LEASE DATE] for the premises located at [FULL PROPERTY ADDRESS INCLUDING UNIT NUMBER].
NATURE OF VIOLATION:
[DESCRIBE THE SPECIFIC VIOLATION, e.g., "Unauthorized pet on premises in violation of Section [X] of the lease agreement" or "Excessive noise complaints from neighboring tenants in violation of the quiet enjoyment clause in Section [X] of the lease agreement"]
You are required to cure this violation within [NUMBER] days of receipt of this notice by [DESCRIBE WHAT TENANT MUST DO TO CURE, e.g., "removing the unauthorized pet from the premises" or "ceasing all noise disturbances after 10:00 PM"].
If you fail to cure this violation within the time specified, you will be required to vacate the premises. A notice to vacate may be served, and legal proceedings may be initiated to recover possession.
This notice is given pursuant to the terms of your lease agreement and applicable provisions of the Texas Property Code.
____________________________
[LANDLORD/AGENT NAME]
[LANDLORD/AGENT ADDRESS]
[PHONE NUMBER]
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I certify that this notice was delivered on [DATE] by:
[ ] Personal delivery to tenant or person 16+ residing at premises
[ ] Mailing to premises by regular mail
[ ] Posting on the inside of the main entry door
____________________________
Signature
Service Methods (§24.005)
Texas Property Code §24.005 specifies three valid methods for delivering a notice to vacate:
1. Personal Delivery
Deliver the notice in person to the tenant or to any person residing at the premises who is 16 years of age or older. This is the most reliable method and starts the clock immediately.
2. Mail to the Premises
Mail the notice by regular mail, certified mail, or registered mail to the premises address (not a separate mailing address). Note: mailing adds time — the notice period begins when the letter is received or would reasonably be received.
3. Posting on Inside of Main Entry Door
Affix the notice to the inside of the main entry door. This method is used when personal delivery fails and the tenant is not home. The notice must be placed on the inside, not the outside.
Warning: Posting the notice on the outside of the door, taping it to the doorframe, sliding it under the door, or leaving it on the doorstep does NOT comply with §24.005. Improper service will result in dismissal of the eviction case.
Common Mistakes
Using the wrong notice period
Check your lease. If the lease specifies a different notice period than the 3-day default, you must use the lease’s terms. Using the wrong period can invalidate the notice.
Including a “pay or quit” option
Texas does not use “pay or quit” notices like California. The Texas notice to vacate is unconditional — it demands the tenant leave, not pay. Including a pay option can create ambiguity.
Not documenting service
Always complete the certificate of service. In court, the judge will ask how and when the notice was served. Without documentation, the tenant can claim they never received it.
Serving notice before rent is actually late
You cannot serve a notice to vacate for nonpayment until the rent is actually past due. If rent is due on the 1st with a grace period through the 3rd, the notice cannot be served until the 4th.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer to serve an eviction notice in Texas?
No. Landlords can serve eviction notices themselves using any of the three methods allowed by §24.005 (personal delivery, mail, or posting on inside of main entry door). You can also represent yourself in Justice of the Peace court without an attorney. However, hiring an attorney is recommended for contested evictions or if the tenant has legal representation.
Can I email or text the notice to vacate?
No. Texas Property Code §24.005 only authorizes three service methods: personal delivery, mail to the premises, or posting on the inside of the main entry door. Email, text message, phone calls, and social media messages do not satisfy the statute. Using these methods will result in dismissal of the eviction case.
What if the tenant refuses to accept the notice?
If the tenant refuses to accept personal delivery, document the refusal (note the date, time, and witness if possible), then use one of the other two methods: mail to the premises or post on the inside of the main entry door. The tenant’s refusal to accept does not invalidate the notice if you can prove service was attempted and an alternative method was used.
Written by Rachid Abadli
Sacramento-based landlord and founder of LeaseBase
These templates are based on Texas Property Code §24.005 (Notice to Vacate), Texas Rules of Civil Procedure Rules 738–755, and standard JP court requirements. Last verified against the Texas Legislature Online database on August 4, 2026.
Texas Notice Resources
TX Eviction Process
Step-by-step guide from notice to writ of possession in 21 days.
Read the guide →TX Landlord-Tenant Laws
Complete overview of Texas Property Code rules for landlords.
Read the guide →TX Security Deposit Laws
No limit, 30-day return, 3x penalties, and allowable deductions.
Read the guide →TX Landlord-Tenant FAQ
20 questions answered about Texas rental law.
Read FAQ →Generate compliant notices in seconds
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These templates are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Notice requirements, service methods, and eviction procedures vary by county and are subject to change. Consult a qualified Texas real estate attorney before serving eviction notices.