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Eviction in Jefferson County (Beaumont/Port Arthur), Texas

Where eviction cases are filed in Jefferson County (Beaumont/Port Arthur), what it costs, local rent levels and where to get help — with the official court, county and HUD sources.

Quick facts: eviction in Jefferson County (Beaumont/Port Arthur)

Eviction court
Jefferson County Justice of the Peace Courts — Justice of the Peace court Court page
Filing fee
$154 for one defendant ($54 filing + $100 service); writ of possession service $200 up to 2 hours, $75/hour after Jefferson County JP Precinct 1, Place 1 - Evictions; JP Precinct 7 - Service Fees
Notice before filing (state law)
At least 3 days' written notice to vacate before filing, unless the written lease provides a shorter or longer period. For a tenant evicted solely for nonpayment who was not delinquent before the month of the notice, the notice must be a notice to pay rent or vacate. Texas rules
HUD Fair Market Rent, 2-bedroom (FY2026)
$1,103/month HUD
Renter households
35,551 (38% of households) Census ACS 2020–2024

Last verified against official sources: 2026-10-23

Where eviction cases are filed in Jefferson County (Beaumont/Port Arthur)

Eviction cases in Jefferson County (Beaumont/Port Arthur) are heard by the Jefferson County Justice of the Peace Courts (Justice of the Peace court).

Court eviction page

Courts include Precinct 1 Places 1 and 2, and Precincts 2, 4, 6, 7 and 8 (Beaumont and Port Arthur). File with the justice of the peace for the precinct where the property is located; the county provides a 'Find Your Precinct Number' map. Amendments to Texas Property Code ch. 24 (SB 38) apply to eviction cases filed on or after January 1, 2026 (statewide change, not county-specific).

How much it costs to file an eviction in Jefferson County (Beaumont/Port Arthur)

$154 for one defendant ($54 filing + $100 service); writ of possession service $200 up to 2 hours, $75/hour after

Service fee schedule: https://jeffersoncountytx.gov/JP/JP7/fees.html. A $5 writ issuance fee may also apply. A Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs may be filed instead of paying fees.

Source: Jefferson County JP Precinct 1, Place 1 - Evictions; JP Precinct 7 - Service Fees

How eviction cases work locally

Hearing scheduling (JP 1-1)JP 1-1 says the hearing is usually set about 14 days from filing.
Source: Official source

The Texas eviction process

Texas state law sets the notice periods and court steps everywhere in the state, including Jefferson County (Beaumont/Port Arthur):

  1. Written notice to vacate (at least 3 days unless lease says otherwise; pay-or-vacate form for first-time nonpayment) delivered by a method in Sec. 24.005(f-3)
  2. File sworn petition in justice court; landlord may include a sworn motion for summary disposition (Sec. 24.00505, 24.005106)
  3. Sheriff/constable must make a diligent effort to serve citation within 5 business days of filing; otherwise landlord may use another trained officer (Sec. 24.0051(f))
  4. Tenant may file a response to a summary disposition motion no later than the 4th day after service; trial is set 10-21 days after filing and not earlier than 4 days after service (Sec. 24.0051(g), 24.005106)
  5. Judgment; appeal to county court by bond, cash deposit, or statement of inability within 5 days after judgment is signed (Sec. 24.005107)
  6. Writ of possession may not issue before the 6th day after judgment (absent possession bond); officer serves it within 5 business days, posts a 24-hour warning, then executes (Sec. 24.0061)

Full Texas eviction rules with sources →

Rent in Jefferson County (Beaumont/Port Arthur)

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents for the Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX MSA (the rent levels used for Section 8 vouchers):

Studio$892
1 bedroom$898
2 bedrooms$1,103
3 bedrooms$1,446
4 bedrooms$1,732

Source: HUD Fair Market Rent documentation

Median gross rent in Jefferson County (Beaumont/Port Arthur): $1,117/month (Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates).

County tenant ordinance

No county-level landlord-tenant ordinance identified; eviction procedure is governed by state law (Tex. Prop. Code ch. 24 and Tex. R. Civ. P. 510). City rules, if any, are on city pages.

Eviction help in Jefferson County (Beaumont/Port Arthur)

Free legal help

Other Texas counties

Related

Frequently asked questions

Where do I file an eviction in Jefferson County (Beaumont/Port Arthur)?
Eviction cases in Jefferson County (Beaumont/Port Arthur) are filed with the Jefferson County Justice of the Peace Courts.
How much does it cost to file an eviction in Jefferson County (Beaumont/Port Arthur)?
$154 for one defendant ($54 filing + $100 service); writ of possession service $200 up to 2 hours, $75/hour after.
Where can I get help with an eviction in Jefferson County (Beaumont/Port Arthur)?
Lone Star Legal Aid.
What is the fair market rent in Jefferson County (Beaumont/Port Arthur)?
HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom unit is $1,103 per month (1-bedroom: $898).

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.