Legal representation increases Dallas tenants’ chances of avoiding eviction
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Child Poverty Action Lab data reveals how courts rule in landlords’ favor 84% of time when tenants don’t show up; when tenants appear with legal representation, landlords win only 10% of cases.
Dallas County tenants appearing in court with legal representation during eviction proceedings significantly increases their chances of staying in their homes, according to a new report from the Child Poverty Action Lab.
A study commissioned by the Dallas non-profit showed that when tenants didn’t appear for their eviction hearing, landlords won their cases by default 84% of the time; also, when a tenant did not have legal representation at a hearing, the landlord won 79% of the time. But when a tenant had legal representation, the landlord won 10% of the time.
The report is based on quality-controlled observations from June 1 through August 5 on three justice of the peace courts: Judge Thomas Jones, precinct 1-1, in South Dallas; Judge Al Cercone, precinct 3-1, in North Dallas; and Judge Sara Martinez, precinct 5-1, in East Dallas. SMU Dedman School of Law students collected the data on 1,135 cases.
In all observed cases, the judge ruled in favor of landlords in 72% of cases and in favor of the tenant in 3% of cases.
The study shows how eviction occurs in Dallas County and spotlights challenges for tenants to avoid being evicted. The study shows that low-income renters who are evicted face an increased risk of homelessness and harmful credit reporting hampers their ability to find a new place to live.
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Dallas County tenants who appeal evictions find better outcomes
New data from CPAL reveals powerful insights about the link between legal counsel and staving off eviction in Dallas County.
- During a year in which Dallas County evictions were at a five-year high, about 80% of times in which tenants appealed, the cases were either dismissed, abated or ruled in favor of tenants.
- Having legal counsel matters a lot: When tenants have legal representation, cases are decided in favor of the landlord just 10% of the time.
CPAL's Trust Her team gives contraception access to more women
Through the Trust Her initiative, CPAL works to dramatically increase access to free or low-cost contraception.
- 1.8 million Texas women of childbearing age cannot afford their preferred method of birth control. Without good insurance, an IUD–the most effective form of contraception–can cost up to $1,300.
- Women can often 7 months or more to obtain her method of choice. Appointments may not be available for many weeks and more waits can follow, depending on a clinic’s contraception inventory.
2024 Evictions in Dallas County: Understanding Filings, Outcomes, and
CPAL examines eviction cases in Dallas County in 2024, including record-high filings, varying courtroom outcomes, citation service methods, and the households ultimately
- In 2024, landlords filed 50,117 evictions in Dallas County – 200 per business day — the highest level in 25 years of available data.
- Across Dallas County in 2024, 52% of eviction cases favored the landlord, and 48% favored the tenant. However, case outcomes, especially in contested cases, varied by Justice of the Peace court.
- Ultimately, 17% of eviction cases ended with the execution of a writ of possession, meaning the tenants and their belongings were physically removed from the rental unit.