A written notice to pay rent or vacate under Tex. Prop. Code § 24.005 is the mandatory first step before a Texas landlord can file an eviction lawsuit for nonpayment of rent.
In Texas, a landlord must serve a written notice before filing for eviction. The cure period for this notice is 3 days — the tenant must pay all overdue rent in full or vacate the premises within 3 days of receiving the notice (unless the written lease specifies a shorter or longer period), set by Tex. Prop. Code § 24.005. Below: the statute, a sample notice, the lawful service methods, and answers to the questions Texas landlords ask most.
A working template using fictional facts. Copy it as a starting point, or use the generator to draft one with your facts and a verified citation.
NOTICE TO PAY RENT OR VACATE
(Texas Property Code § 24.005)
Date: July 14, 2025
TO: Marcus J. Holloway
4821 Ridgecrest Drive, Apt. 7
San Antonio, Texas 78229
(and all other occupants)
FROM: Stonebridge Property Management, LLC
Agent for: Patricia L. Ochoa, Owner
P.O. Box 33102, San Antonio, Texas 78265
Phone: (210) 555-0178
RE: NOTICE TO PAY RENT OR VACATE — 4821 Ridgecrest Drive, Apt. 7, San Antonio, Texas 78229
Dear Marcus J. Holloway and all other occupants:
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that you are delinquent in the payment of rent for the above-described premises. The following amounts are currently past due and unpaid:
Rent for July 2025: $1,350.00
Late fee (per lease, § 7): $ 75.00
TOTAL AMOUNT NOW DUE: $1,425.00
PURSUANT TO TEXAS PROPERTY CODE § 24.005, you are hereby demanded to, within THREE (3) DAYS after the date of delivery of this notice (not counting the day of delivery), either:
(1) PAY IN FULL the total delinquent amount of $1,425.00 to the landlord or landlord's agent at the address listed above; OR
(2) VACATE AND SURRENDER POSSESSION of the above-described premises to the landlord.
Payment must be made in certified funds (cashier's check or money order payable to Patricia L. Ochoa). Personal checks will not be accepted.
IF YOU FAIL TO PAY THE FULL AMOUNT OWED OR VACATE BY THE DEADLINE, the landlord will file a forcible detainer (eviction) lawsuit against you in the appropriate Justice of the Peace Court. You may be held liable for court costs, constable fees, and attorney's fees as allowed by law and the terms of your lease.
This notice does not waive any other rights or remedies available to the landlord under Texas law or your lease agreement.
SERVICE NOTATION:
This notice was served on: July 14, 2025
Method of service: [ ] Personal delivery to tenant
[X] Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested
USPS Tracking No.: 9400 1118 9956 1234 5678 90
[ ] Posted inside main entry door
SIGNATURE:
_________________________________
Rebekah Torres, Property Manager
Stonebridge Property Management, LLC
Agent for Patricia L. Ochoa
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DRAFT — FOR ATTORNEY REVIEW BEFORE SERVICETex. Prop. Code § 24.005 specifies the lawful methods of service. Methods not on this list — including most electronic means — risk dismissal of your subsequent eviction.
With your facts, your dates, your tenant — and Tex. Prop. Code § 24.005 cited correctly. 14-day free trial, no card required.
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