Texas landlords should review occupancy clauses, establish the facts, and clarify an occupant’s status before selecting a lawful enforcement process.
Review the occupancy agreement
An unfamiliar person at a rental property may be a visitor, an approved household member, a subtenant, or someone whose presence conflicts with the lease. The landlord's first task is to establish the facts.
Review the occupancy provisions and approved household information. Document specific observations through lawful means. Avoid collecting private information unrelated to the property issue or making assumptions about family relationships.
Clarify the situation professionally
Ask for clarification professionally. A message identifying the relevant lease clause and requesting an explanation is more constructive than an accusation. Save the response and compare it with the documents already in the file.
Use particular care if the situation involves disability accommodation or another protected housing issue. A standard occupancy concern can require a different analysis when legal protections are involved.
Identify the appropriate process
Calling someone a “squatter” does not establish the legal procedure. A person whose access began with permission may present a different situation from an unlawful entrant. Where status is disputed, an attorney can help determine the correct route.
Property owners benefit from accurate classification because it directs the next step. Clear records protect the landlord from using a process that does not fit the facts. For help collecting tenancy information for an eviction intake, visit Lone Star Eviction Services.
This article provides general educational information. Lease terms, current law, court rules, and individual circumstances affect the appropriate steps. Lone Star Eviction is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.
