Evicting a tenant

[Wayne Smith]

I have recently given my tenant a 3 day eviction notice and filed to have them evicted with the courts here in Texas.  My issue is that when I served the 3 day notice to the tenant, he said "Good, now we can start discussing the issues on the property".   Long story short, he is claiming the ac has mold in the duct work (and him and his kids are getting sick), the ceiling is caving in from a roof leak, the sewer is backing up, and there is a roach infestation.   He has lived in the place for a little over a year, and has NEVER given me a written notice about any maintenance issues as required by my lease.   Also, he owns a handyman/remodeling business, although not very successful it seems.   I filed for eviction with the courts on Friday and have a court date next week, but I was wondering if I  should go do a walk thru on the house before the court date and take pictures, as I am sure he is lying about the condition of the house.   If I do go do a walk thru, should I send him a certified letter stating when the walk thru would be? or just show up?  I do have it in my lease that I can do a walk thru anytime.   I am worried about him turning it into a major issue when I do  a walk thru, but feel i should do one for my own protection and to inspect the house as well.