Rule 509.3.Citation: Issuance; Appearance Date; Answer
Last verified June 28, 2026
In one sentenceRule 509.3 has the judge immediately issue citation in a repair-and-remedy case, setting an appearance date not less than 10 nor more than 21 days after the petition is filed.
Full Text of Rule 509.3
(a) Issuance. When the tenant files a written petition with a justice court, the judge must immediately issue citation directed to the landlord, commanding the landlord to appear before such judge at the time and place named in the citation.
(b) Appearance Date; Answer. The appearance date on the citation must not be less than 10 days nor more than 21 days after the petition is filed. For purposes of this rule, the appearance date on the citation is the trial date. The landlord may, but is not required to, file a written answer on or before the appearance date.
End
Plain-English Summary
Rule 509.3 moves a repair case quickly. When the tenant files the petition, the judge must immediately issue citation directed to the landlord. The appearance date on the citation must be no less than 10 days and no more than 21 days after the petition is filed, so the dispute is heard promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is a repair and remedy case heard in Texas justice court?
Quickly. Rule 509.3 sets the appearance date between 10 and 21 days after the petition is filed.
Is the appearance date the same as the trial date in a repair and remedy case?
Yes. Rule 509.3(b) makes the appearance date on the citation the trial date.
Does a landlord have to file a written answer in a repair and remedy case?
No. Rule 509.3(b) says the landlord may, but is not required to, file a written answer by the appearance date.
Source & verification. Rule text and the official Notes and Comments are reproduced verbatim from the
Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (Tex. R. Civ. P. 509.3), 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: repair and remedy citationappearance dateten to twenty-one daysTRCP 509.3