Unresponsive and behind rent Tenant

[Sam Khurana]

Hi Everyone, 

I have a tenant in Houston TX (30 miles away from me) who is behind in rent by 2 months and not at all responsive. The lease is ending in Jun 2023. I have 1.5 months of security deposit. I have given the notice to vacate and filed the Eviction suit with the trial date on Feb 2, 2023

My questions are

 1. What if the tenant doesn't receive the summons? Do I need to find the tenant using a Private Investigator or some other means

2. What I can do till Feb 2nd, 2023? I have concerns such as what if the tenant just abandons the house without informing me and leaves or damages the house.

3. Eviction suit asks about the total rent due as of now, my question is how do I collect the rent for the remainder of the lease?

Your answers are much appreciated. Thx a lot.

[Greg H.]

Feb 2nd court date ?  Wow it is crazy how far behind evictions are behind in many bigger cities in Texas.  I have one now in a small town that will be 15 days from start to finish.  To answer your questions:

1. Not your problem.  The Constable will serve the tenant and if not able to reach seek alternative service

2.  Not much you can do to prevent damage.  Maybe offer cash for keys(Offering the tenant $$ to just leave).  I am not a fan but in this case it may make sense.  I would consider paying a neighbor to watch for activity is you are not going to drive by.  Smaller communities you can usually call and see if the water/electric are still on

3.  Reality is in Texas you have very very little change of ever collecting the past due rent(judgement).  Texas does not allow garnishment