Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Texas

I don't know if this is the right place to ask, but here it goes anyways. My family and I are living in the house I grew up in in Austin, Texas rent free. My parents still own it and pay the taxes and insurance for it. Mom passed away a year ago and my dad is real depressed and get angry about everything. We got into an argument over my youngest son and he threatened to get his gun and shoot the both of us. Unfortunately I grabbed him to get his attention and told him to never threaten me or my kids again. Well now he has been telling my wife, my brother and sister that he is going to have us evicted. Supposedly a lawyer is drawing up the papers and the police will be coming to kick us out. I've lived in this house the past 17 years and between him and my mom they have said it's my house. My question is what are my options legally if any? Thank you for your time.


Asked on 5/23/14, 2:20 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Whoever has legal title to the house has the authority over the property. If your dad has title to the house and wants you out then there is not a lot you can do to prevent an eviction outside of persuading him to let you stay in the house. However, it sounds like it may no longer be a safe location for your family to remain.

You must be served with the petition before the court orders the eviction and I would encourage you to take it to an attorney to discuss any options you may have to challenge the eviction. If you are evicted then you have thirty days to leave the property.

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Answered on 5/25/14, 10:13 am


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