Rule 510.3.Representation

Last verified June 28, 2026

In one sentenceRule 510.3 sets who may represent a party in an eviction case — an individual by self, an authorized agent, or an attorney; an entity by a non-attorney insider, a property manager or other agent, or an attorney.

Full Text of Rule 510.3

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

(a) Representation of an Individual. An individual may:

(1) represent himself or herself;

(2) be represented by an authorized agent; or

(3) be represented by an attorney.

(b) Representation of a Corporation or Other Entity. A corporation or other entity may:

(1) be represented by an employee, owner, officer, or partner of the entity who is not an attorney;

(2) be represented by a property manager or other authorized agent; or

(3) be represented by an attorney.

(c) Assisted Representation. The court may, for good cause, allow an individual representing himself or herself to be assisted in court by a family member or other individual who is not being compensated.

End

Plain-English Summary

Rule 510.3 keeps eviction court accessible. An individual may represent himself or herself, appear through an authorized agent, or hire an attorney. A corporation or other entity may be represented by a non-attorney employee, owner, officer, or partner, by a property manager or other authorized agent, or by an attorney. For good cause, the judge may allow a self-represented individual to be assisted in court.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a property manager represent a landlord in a Texas eviction?

Yes. Rule 510.3 lets an entity be represented by a property manager or other authorized agent, a non-attorney insider, or an attorney.

Does a tenant need a lawyer to defend an eviction in Texas?

No. Rule 510.3 lets an individual represent himself or herself, be represented by an authorized agent, or hire an attorney.

Can a family member help a tenant in eviction court?

Rule 510.3 lets the judge, for good cause, allow an individual who is representing himself or herself to be assisted in court by an uncompensated family member or other individual.

Source & verification. Rule text and the official Notes and Comments are reproduced verbatim from the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (Tex. R. Civ. P. 510.3), 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: representation evictionproperty manager representationauthorized agentTRCP 510.3