In one sentenceRule 500.1 sets the scope of the justice-court rules, naming the four case types they cover — small claims, debt claim, repair and remedy, and eviction — and limiting when the other Rules of Civil Procedure and of Evidence apply.
(a)Small Claims Case. A small claims case is a lawsuit brought for the recovery of money damages, civil penalties, personal property, or other relief allowed by law. The claim can be for no more than $20,000, excluding statutory interest and court costs but including attorney fees, if any. Small claims cases are governed by Rules 500-507 of Part V of the Rules of Civil Procedure.
(b)Debt Claim Case. A debt claim case is a lawsuit brought to recover a debt by an assignee of a claim, a debt collector or collection agency, a financial institution, or a person or entity primarily engaged in the business of lending money at interest. The claim can be for no more than $20,000, excluding statutory interest and court costs but including attorney fees, if any. Debt claim cases in justice court are governed by Rules 500-507 and 508 of Part V of the Rules of Civil Procedure. To the extent of any conflict between Rule 508 and the rest of Part V, Rule 508 applies.
(c)Repair and Remedy Case. A repair and remedy case is a lawsuit filed by a residential tenant under Chapter 92, Subchapter B of the Texas Property Code to enforce the landlord’s duty to repair or remedy a condition materially affecting the physical health or safety of an ordinary tenant. The relief sought can be for no more than $20,000, excluding statutory interest and court costs but including attorney fees, if any. Repair and remedy cases are governed by Rules 500-507 and 509 of Part V of the Rules of Civil Procedure. To the extent of any conflict between Rule 509 and the rest of Part V, Rule 509 applies.
(d)Eviction Case. An eviction case is a lawsuit brought to recover possession of real property under Chapter 24 of the Texas Property Code, often by a landlord against a tenant. A claim for unpaid rent may be joined with an eviction case if the amount of rent due and unpaid is not more than $20,000, excluding statutory interest and court costs but including attorney fees, if any. Eviction cases are governed by Rule 510 of Part V of the Rules of Civil Procedure.
(e)Application of Other Rules. The other Rules of Civil Procedure and the Rules of Evidence do not apply except:
(1)when the judge hearing the case determines that a particular rule must be followed to ensure that the proceedings are fair to all parties; or
(2)when otherwise specifically provided by law or these rules.
(f)Examination of Rules. The court must make the Rules of Civil Procedure and the Rules of Evidence available for examination, either in paper form or electronically, during the court’s business hours.
End
Plain-English Summary
Rule 500.1 marks what Part V covers and how it works. It defines four kinds of justice-court cases: a small claims case (money, civil penalties, personal property, or other relief within the court's limit), a debt claim case (a debt sued on by an assignee, debt collector, lender, or similar), a repair and remedy case (a residential tenant's suit under Chapter 92 of the Property Code), and an eviction case (recovery of possession of real property under Chapter 24).
To keep these cases simple for self-represented parties, the other Rules of Civil Procedure and the Rules of Evidence do not apply — except when the judge decides a particular rule is needed to keep the case fair to all parties, or when a law or these rules say otherwise. The court must make both rule books available to examine, in paper or electronic form.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of cases do the Texas justice court rules cover?
Four: small claims, debt claim, repair and remedy, and eviction cases (Rule 500.1).
Do the regular rules of evidence apply in justice court?
Generally no. Rule 500.1 says the other Rules of Civil Procedure and the Rules of Evidence do not apply unless the judge requires a rule for fairness or a law provides otherwise.
Source & verification. Rule text and the official Notes and Comments are reproduced verbatim from the
Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (Tex. R. Civ. P. 500.1), published by the Texas Judicial Branch (txcourts.gov).
Promulgated by the Supreme Court of Texas. The plain-English summary is original and draws on official sources. Last verified June 28, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as:application of rulessmall claims casedebt claim casejustice court scopeTRCP 500.1