Eviction Filings Surge in Travis County as Rental Market Normalizes
Summary: Travis County is on pace to set a new record for eviction filings in 2025, a sign that the rental market is returning to its pre-pandemic structure. Despite falling rents and rising vacancies, court filings are increasing as pandemic-era assistance programs have ended and landlords resume standard legal practices for rent collection.
Key Data Points:
Eviction Filings: Q1 2025 saw 10,545 filings, on pace to surpass 2024's record of 13,210. — [Travis County JP Public Access Portal] ✅
Market Conditions: The apartment vacancy rate rose to 9.9% in Spring 2025 (up from ~4% in mid-2022), while average rents are down approximately 15% from their 2022 peaks. — [CoStar Market Analytics] ⚠️
Policy Context: The Texas Rent Relief program closed in March 2023, ending a key source of emergency aid for tenants. — [Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA)] ✅
Direct Austin Impact: For Austin residents, these trends indicate a return to a pre-pandemic market where legal filings can be a standard business practice for collecting debt at some facilities. At high-filing properties, 20-30% of households face eviction proceedings annually with cases typically resolved within 20 days, while current renters benefit from 17% lower rents and historically high vacancy rates of nearly 10%.
Civic Engagement:
Market Data: The Texas Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M provides data and analysis on housing trends across the state.
Tenant/Landlord Rights: The Texas Attorney General's Office publishes a "Tenant's Rights Handbook" outlining legal standards for both parties.
Industry Resources: The Texas Apartment Association provides educational resources for renters on topics like understanding leases and the application process.
Federal Guidance: HUD's Texas office provides information on federal housing programs and fair housing laws.
Sources & Compliance:
Travis County JP Public Access Portal ✅
CoStar Market Analytics ⚠️ [Terms of Use: costargroup.com/legal]
Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) ✅
Texas Real Estate Research Center ✅
Office of the Texas Attorney General ✅
Texas Apartment Association ✅
The Rundown
1. City to Launch AI Tool to Speed Up Development Plan Reviews The City's Development Services Department is launching an AI-powered tool from the firm Archistar to automate initial compliance checks for development plans against the city's land code. This initiative aims to shorten permitting timelines for new housing and small commercial projects, meaning faster approvals for projects that meet code requirements. DSD plans to hold a public info session to explain the new process, with a date to be announced on its newsroom website. (Source: City of Austin DSD Newsroom ✅)
2. Correction: Final Environmental Review for Project Connect Nears Completion This is a correction to previous reporting. The public comment period for the Austin Light Rail's Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) closed on March 11, 2025. The final step is the publication of a combined Final EIS and Record of Decision this fall, which is not expected to include a new public comment period. Residents along the N. Lamar, Guadalupe, and Riverside corridors should monitor the Project Connect website for this final report, as it will contain the final decisions on routes and community mitigation. (Source: Federal Register ✅, Austin Transit Partnership ✅)
3. Austin Energy Holds Power Supply Rate Steady for October For Austin residents, the portion of their electricity bill that covers fuel costs will not increase next month. Austin Energy confirmed in a memo that the Power Supply Adjustment (PSA) rate will not change on October 1. Separately, City Council approved a contract to modernize the billing systems for the city's district energy services. (Source: Austin City Council Agenda ✅, Austin Energy ✅)
4. Travis County Burn Ban in Effect The Travis County Fire Marshal has issued a county-wide burn ban for all unincorporated areas, effective September 24. Due to dry conditions, the order prohibits most outdoor burning, such as using open fire pits. Residents can check the Fire Marshal's official order for a full list of exemptions and requirements. (Source: Travis County Fire Marshal's Office ✅)
📊 By the Numbers
1 in 5 — At some of Austin’s top-evicting apartment properties, the number of eviction cases filed in a single year is equal to 20% or more of the total households on the property.
Source: Analysis of Travis County Justice of the Peace Court Records
📅 Civic Calendar
Oct. 6 (Mon): Voter Registration Deadline. Last day to register to vote in the November 4 election. Register or check your status at VoteTexas.gov.
Oct. 9 (Thu): Austin City Council Regular Meeting. (Agendas and speaker registration available at the City Meeting Info Center).
TBA: Development Services Department info session on the new AI plan review tool. (Monitor the DSD Announcements page for updates).
