Should I cancel Court Date

[Joseph Nguyen]

Hello All!

I'm trying to figure out how to go about a situation and would appreciate any input!

A little background: I am new LL/a travel medical worker investing out of state. Currently house hacking (rent by the room) in my primary home (1st property) in Texas while working out of state. I just recently evicted a tenant for nonpayment./illegal activities on premises. Went through the process (Notice to vacate, filing, etc). The tenant has left as of 6/13/24 and I've turned over the room for the next person. However, he still has some items (TV, bags) in the garage. I've been calling/texting him since 6/24/24 to get the remaining items out (he said he would get them by end of month, but hasn't yet and is ignoring me now). 

The court date is set for 7/16/24 at 10am (a work day) and according to the JP, I can cancel up to 2 days prior to court date. My question is: Do I keep the court date and try to get someone to represent me or should I just go ahead and cancel anyways since he has technically left? Dod I need to attend the court date to remove his items or is there a specific time period (with or without court attendance) to where I can remove?

Thank in advance for any and all advice! 

[Theresa Harris]

I'd go through with the court date to get permission to remove his belongings and get it in writing how long you have to store them.  Look up your local laws as they will have that information.  Also find out how to file a judgement for outstanding rent-you'll likely never see the money, but if you can get it attached to his credit score, that would be good.

[Joseph Nguyen]

Thank you for the insight!