Rule 510.11.Answer

Last verified June 28, 2026

In one sentenceRule 510.11 lets an eviction defendant — but does not require the defendant to — file a written answer before trial, treats a general denial as sufficient, and has the answer noted on the docket.

Full Text of Rule 510.11

Text sizeJump to: (a) (b) (c) (d)

(a) Not Required. The defendant may, but is not required to, file a written answer with the court on or before the day set for trial in the citation.

(b) Service; Contents. If the defendant files a written answer with the court, the defendant must serve a copy of the answer on the plaintiff. The answer must contain:

(1) the name of the defendant; and

(2) the name, address, telephone number, and fax number, if any, of the defendant’s attorney, if applicable, or the address, telephone number, and fax number, if any, of the defendant.

(c) General Denial. An answer that denies all of the plaintiff’s allegations without specifying the reasons is sufficient to constitute an answer or appearance and does not bar the defendant from raising any defense at trial.

(d) Answer Docketed. The defendant’s answer must be noted on the court’s docket.

End

Plain-English Summary

Rule 510.11 covers the answer. The defendant may, but need not, file a written answer on or before the trial day; appearing for trial is enough to contest the case. If the defendant does answer, the answer is served on the plaintiff and gives the defendant's contact information. A general denial — denying all allegations without specifics — is sufficient, and the answer is noted on the court's docket.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to file an answer in a Texas eviction case?

No. Rule 510.11 lets a defendant file a written answer but does not require one; appearing for trial is enough.

What must a written answer include in a Texas eviction case?

Rule 510.11 requires the defendant's name and the defendant's or the defendant's attorney's address, telephone number, and fax number, if any. A copy must also be served on the plaintiff.

Does filing a general denial stop a tenant from raising other defenses at trial?

No. Rule 510.11 treats a general denial — denying all of the plaintiff's allegations without specifics — as a sufficient answer, and it does not bar the defendant from raising any defense at trial.

Source & verification. Rule text and the official Notes and Comments are reproduced verbatim from the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (Tex. R. Civ. P. 510.11), 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: answer evictiongeneral denial evictionanswer not requiredTRCP 510.11