What happens after a Texas landlord wins an eviction judgment?
Winning the eviction judgment does not give the landlord the right to physically remove the tenant. Self-help (changing locks, removing belongings) is illegal in every US state and exposes the landlord to significant damages. Instead, the landlord requests a writ of possession from the court. The writ is then served by a sheriff, marshal, or constable, who gives the tenant a final period to vacate (commonly 24 to 72 hours, depending on the state). If the tenant does not leave, the officer physically removes them and any remaining belongings. Texas has separate rules for what happens to abandoned property; usually the landlord must hold it for a statutory period (often 15 to 30 days) before disposal.
Source: Texas writ of possession statute
This is an informational answer based on Texas writ of possession statute as of early 2026. It is not legal advice. Housing law changes year to year and local ordinances (especially in rent-controlled or rent-stabilized cities) can override or add to state law. For contested cases, consult a Texas-licensed attorney.