TX Property Damage Statute of Limitations Guide


TX Property Damage Statute of Limitations Guide

In Texas, authorized claims for harm to bodily property are topic to a time restrict inside which a lawsuit have to be filed. This timeframe is essential as a result of as soon as it expires, the authorized proper to pursue compensation, whatever the deserves of the case, is usually extinguished. For instance, if a contractor damages a house owner’s property throughout a renovation, the home-owner should provoke authorized motion inside the prescribed interval or lose the chance to recuperate damages.

These time restrictions serve a number of essential features inside the authorized system. They encourage immediate decision of disputes, preserving proof and witness testimony that may in any other case deteriorate over time. Additionally they present a level of certainty for potential defendants, permitting them to ultimately transfer ahead with out the indefinite risk of litigation. Texas legislation establishes particular deadlines for numerous varieties of property harm claims, influenced by elements such because the underlying reason for the harm and the character of the property affected. Understanding these deadlines is crucial for anybody contemplating authorized motion associated to property harm.

This text will delve additional into the precise cut-off dates relevant to numerous property harm situations in Texas, exploring the nuances of those legal guidelines and providing sensible steering for these looking for to know their rights and obligations. Matters lined will embody the variations between claims arising from negligence, breach of contract, and intentional acts, in addition to the potential influence of things akin to found or hid harm.

1. Two years (normal timeframe)

The 2-year statute of limitations serves because the default timeframe for many property harm claims in Texas. Understanding this elementary timeframe is essential for pursuing authorized motion associated to property harm. Failure to file go well with inside this era will possible bar restoration, even when the declare is in any other case legitimate.

  • Negligence-Based mostly Claims

    Claims arising from negligent actions, akin to unintentional harm attributable to a contractor or a neighbor, usually fall underneath the two-year statute of limitations. For instance, if a tree on a neighbor’s property falls and damages a fence, the property proprietor usually has two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit. This timeframe underscores the significance of immediate motion in preserving authorized recourse after property harm happens attributable to negligence.

  • Intentional Torts

    Whereas much less frequent in property harm instances, intentional torts like trespass or vandalism are additionally usually topic to the two-year limitation. If somebody intentionally damages one other’s property, the injured occasion usually has two years from the date of the harm to provoke authorized proceedings. The restricted timeframe emphasizes the necessity for vigilance in documenting the harm and figuring out the accountable occasion.

  • Discovery Rule Exceptions

    The 2-year timeframe is just not absolute. The invention rule offers an exception when the harm is just not instantly discoverable. As an example, if a defective plumbing set up causes hidden water harm that isn’t obvious for a while, the two-year clock might start working from the date the harm was moderately discoverable, not the date of the particular incident. This nuance requires cautious consideration of when the harm turned, or ought to have develop into, obvious.

  • Affect of Fraudulent Concealment

    Fraudulent concealment by the occasion answerable for the harm can additional prolong the constraints interval. If a contractor actively conceals development defects that later result in property harm, the statute of limitations could also be tolled till the home-owner discovers, or moderately ought to have found, the harm and the contractor’s misleading actions. This provision safeguards towards bad-faith actors making an attempt to evade accountability.

The 2-year normal timeframe for property harm claims in Texas, whereas topic to essential exceptions, establishes a crucial deadline for pursuing authorized motion. Navigating these complexities requires a transparent understanding of the incident, the character of the harm, and the potential applicability of exceptions like the invention rule and fraudulent concealment. Consulting with an lawyer is usually advisable to make sure compliance with these essential time limitations and defend one’s authorized rights.

2. Discovery Rule

The invention rule is an important exception to the usual two-year statute of limitations for property harm claims in Texas. It acknowledges that harm might not be instantly obvious. This rule delays the beginning of the constraints interval from the date of the incident to the date the harm in all fairness discoverable. The rationale is that holding a claimant accountable for an unknowable damage can be unjust. Trigger and impact are central to the invention rulethe causative occasion might happen lengthy earlier than its results manifest and develop into moderately discoverable. The rule’s significance lies in its potential to supply a good alternative for redress even when the harm is not readily obvious.

Take into account a state of affairs involving a negligently put in basis. The preliminary development might seem sound, however years later, cracks and settling develop into evident, inflicting important structural harm. Making use of the invention rule, the two-year clock would not begin ticking till the home-owner moderately found, or ought to have found, the harm and its hyperlink to the defective basis. This provides a sensible pathway to restoration even when the precise negligent act occurred years prior. One other instance would possibly contain hidden termite harm, the place the infestation and ensuing property harm solely develop into obvious after a substantial time. The invention rule ensures the home-owner’s proper to pursue a declare is not extinguished earlier than they’ve an affordable alternative to find the hurt.

Understanding the invention rule’s sensible significance is important in property harm instances. It requires cautious consideration of when the harm turned, or ought to have develop into, moderately discoverable. Challenges typically come up in figuring out this level, because it is dependent upon the precise details and circumstances. Documentation, professional opinions, and authorized counsel typically play essential roles in establishing the timeline of discovery. This nuanced precept balances the necessity for well timed authorized motion with the popularity that not all harm is quickly obvious, making certain a fairer software of the statute of limitations.

3. Fraudulent Concealment

Fraudulent concealment performs a big function in property harm claims in Texas by impacting the statute of limitations. This doctrine prevents a celebration who has wrongfully hid a defect or harm from benefiting from the same old time limitations. It acknowledges that justice calls for extending the timeframe for authorized motion when misleading practices stop well timed discovery of the hurt. Understanding fraudulent concealment is important for safeguarding authorized rights when coping with property harm probably masked by deliberate deception.

  • Parts of Fraudulent Concealment

    Establishing fraudulent concealment requires demonstrating particular components. The concealing occasion should have precise data of the harm or defect and an obligation to reveal it. They should have taken affirmative steps to hide the issue, and the claimant should have moderately relied on the concealment, leading to delayed discovery. As an example, a vendor overlaying up basis cracks earlier than a sale could possibly be thought-about fraudulent concealment if the client moderately relied on the obvious sound situation of the property. Proof of those components is essential for invoking this doctrine.

  • Affect on the Statute of Limitations

    When fraudulent concealment is confirmed, the statute of limitations for property harm claims is tolled. This implies the clock would not begin working till the hid harm is found or moderately ought to have been found. This extension permits the injured occasion a good alternative to pursue authorized recourse, regardless of the delaying techniques employed by the concealing occasion. The tolling impact ensures that the constraints interval would not unfairly defend wrongdoers who actively conceal their actions.

  • Examples in Property Harm Circumstances

    Fraudulent concealment can come up in numerous property harm contexts. A contractor concealing defective wiring throughout a renovation, a landlord hiding a historical past of water leaks in an house, or a vendor masking termite harm earlier than a sale are examples the place this doctrine might apply. In every case, the deliberate concealment prevents the injured occasion from promptly discovering the harm and pursuing well timed authorized motion, justifying an extension of the constraints interval.

  • Burden of Proof

    The burden of proving fraudulent concealment lies with the occasion alleging ittypically, the property proprietor or injured occasion. They have to current adequate proof demonstrating the weather of concealment, a probably difficult activity. Proof can embody witness testimony, professional opinions, documentation, and circumstantial proof suggesting deliberate deception. Authorized counsel is important in navigating this complicated course of and successfully presenting the case for fraudulent concealment.

Fraudulent concealment is a crucial part of property harm claims in Texas. By understanding its influence on the statute of limitations and the required components of proof, property house owners can defend their authorized rights and pursue simply compensation even when confronted with deliberate acts of deception. This doctrine in the end serves equity and accountability within the decision of property harm disputes.

4. Breach of Contract (4 Years)

Property harm claims in Texas typically come up from breaches of contract, reasonably than torts like negligence. Development contracts, leases, and repair agreements typically comprise provisions concerning property upkeep and restore. When these contractual obligations are breached, leading to property harm, the statute of limitations differs from the final two-year timeframe for tort claims. Texas legislation offers a four-year statute of limitations for breach of contract actions, together with these involving property harm. This distinction is essential as a result of the character of the authorized declare, contractual versus tort-based, dictates the relevant timeframe for submitting go well with.

Take into account a state of affairs the place a house owner contracts with a roofing firm for a brand new roof. The contract specifies the supplies and set up strategies. If the roof leaks attributable to defective workmanship, inflicting inside water harm, the home-owner’s declare falls underneath breach of contract. The home-owner has 4 years from the date of the breach (possible when the leak and harm turned obvious) to provoke authorized motion. This longer timeframe acknowledges the contractual relationship and the precise obligations undertaken by the events. One other instance may contain a landlord’s failure to keep up a property as agreed in a lease, resulting in property harm from leaks or pest infestations. The tenant’s declare for ensuing damages would possible fall underneath breach of contract, topic to the four-year statute of limitations.

Understanding the interaction between breach of contract and property harm claims is important for navigating the authorized panorama in Texas. Whereas the four-year statute of limitations usually applies to written contracts, oral agreements can even kind the idea of a breach of contract declare, probably topic to the two-year statute of limitations for oral contracts. Cautious consideration of the contract’s phrases, the character of the breach, and the ensuing property harm is crucial for figuring out the suitable authorized technique and adhering to the proper timeframe for submitting go well with. Complicated tort and contract claims can have important penalties, probably barring legitimate claims attributable to an incorrect software of the statute of limitations. Consulting with authorized counsel is advisable to make sure correct evaluation and well timed motion.

5. Written Contracts

Written contracts play a vital function in figuring out the statute of limitations for property harm claims in Texas. Whereas the final statute of limitations for property harm claims is 2 years, written contracts typically set up a four-year timeframe for claims arising from breaches associated to property harm. This distinction underscores the significance of fastidiously reviewing contractual agreements when assessing the timeframe for authorized motion associated to property harm.

  • Development Contracts

    Development contracts regularly deal with obligations for property upkeep, restore, and warranties. If a contractor breaches these contractual obligations, leading to property harm, the four-year statute of limitations for written contracts usually governs the timeframe for submitting a lawsuit. As an example, if a newly constructed roof leaks attributable to defective workmanship, inflicting water harm, the home-owner possible has 4 years from the date the breach turned obvious to sue the contractor.

  • Actual Property Gross sales Contracts

    Actual property gross sales contracts typically embody provisions concerning the property’s situation and disclosures of identified defects. If a vendor fails to reveal a identified defect that results in subsequent property harm, the client might have a breach of contract declare topic to the four-year statute of limitations. Discovering undisclosed basis issues after buying a house, for instance, may give rise to a declare inside this timeframe.

  • Lease Agreements

    Lease agreements set up obligations for each landlords and tenants regarding property upkeep and habitability. A landlord’s failure to make vital repairs, resulting in property harm, can represent a breach of the lease settlement, probably giving the tenant a four-year window to file go well with. Equally, a tenant inflicting harm past regular put on and tear may face a declare from the owner inside the identical timeframe.

  • Service Contracts

    Service contracts for home equipment, HVAC methods, and different property-related tools typically embody warranties and restore ensures. If defective service or tools results in property harm, the home-owner might need a breach of contract declare topic to the four-year statute of limitations. A malfunctioning HVAC system put in underneath a service contract, inflicting water harm, exemplifies this state of affairs.

The presence of a written contract considerably impacts the statute of limitations for property harm claims in Texas. The four-year timeframe for written contracts provides an extended interval for authorized motion in comparison with the final two-year statute of limitations for tort claims. Precisely figuring out the character of the claimcontractual or tort-basedis crucial for making certain compliance with the suitable statute of limitations. Disputes can come up concerning whether or not a declare falls underneath tort or contract legislation, emphasizing the significance of looking for authorized counsel to make clear the suitable authorized technique and relevant timeframe. Understanding the interaction between written contracts and the statute of limitations is important for safeguarding authorized rights and pursuing well timed cures for property harm in Texas.

6. Antagonistic Possession

Antagonistic possession, whereas in a roundabout way associated to the statute of limitations for property harm claims, presents a definite idea regarding property possession and cut-off dates in Texas. It includes buying authorized title to a different’s property by way of open, infamous, unique, and steady possession for a particular interval. Understanding this idea is essential as a result of it will probably intersect with property harm points, notably concerning accountability and authorized standing. Whereas adversarial possession focuses on buying title, not resolving harm claims, its implications can considerably influence property-related disputes and relevant statutes of limitations.

  • Parts of Antagonistic Possession

    Establishing a declare of adversarial possession in Texas requires assembly stringent necessities. The possession have to be precise, infamous (seen and open), unique (not shared with the true proprietor), steady (uninterrupted for the statutory interval), and hostile (with out the proprietor’s permission) underneath a declare of proper. These components have to be maintained for a particular length, usually three, 5, ten, or twenty-five years, relying on the precise circumstances and supporting documentation, akin to cost of property taxes. Every ingredient performs an important function in demonstrating the claimant’s intent and actions concerning the property.

  • Statutory Intervals

    Texas legislation defines totally different statutory intervals for adversarial possession primarily based on the claimant’s actions and supporting proof. A 3-year statute applies when the claimant possesses the property underneath a legitimate deed or different instrument, even when faulty, and pays property taxes. A five-year statute applies with a deed and property tax cost however with out particular shade of title. Ten years applies with peaceful and adversarial possession. A twenty-five-year statute exists for sure situations, akin to possession underneath a recorded deed. Understanding these various intervals is crucial for figuring out the viability of an adversarial possession declare.

  • Affect on Property Possession and Harm Claims

    Profitable adversarial possession claims switch authorized possession to the possessor, impacting subsequent property harm points. The brand new proprietor assumes accountability for the property’s situation and turns into the correct occasion to pursue or defend towards harm claims. For instance, if a person efficiently claims adversarial possession of a chunk of land with a broken fence, they develop into answerable for its restore and can be the occasion to pursue claims towards neighbors for additional harm. This shift in possession and accountability underscores the sensible implications of adversarial possession.

  • Relationship with Property Harm Statute of Limitations

    Whereas distinct ideas, adversarial possession can not directly work together with the property harm statute of limitations. Figuring out the rightful property proprietor, influenced by potential adversarial possession claims, establishes who holds the authorized standing to pursue or defend towards harm claims. This correct identification of the occasion is essential for making certain compliance with the related statute of limitations. A celebration unaware of an adversarial possession declare would possibly mistakenly file a harm declare after the relevant statute has expired, primarily based on their assumed possession. This interaction highlights the significance of contemplating adversarial possession when addressing property harm points, particularly in instances involving boundary disputes or long-term, disputed possession.

Antagonistic possession introduces a definite layer of complexity to property possession and, consequently, property harm claims in Texas. Whereas in a roundabout way governing harm declare timelines, it will probably considerably affect who holds the authorized proper to pursue such claims. Understanding the weather, statutory intervals, and potential influence of adversarial possession is important for navigating property-related disputes, particularly when possession is unclear or contested. The interaction between adversarial possession and the statute of limitations for property harm underscores the significance of clear title and well timed authorized motion in defending one’s property rights and pursuits.

7. Authorities Claims

Governmental entities in Texas, together with state businesses, counties, and municipalities, take pleasure in sure protections concerning authorized claims, together with these involving property harm. These protections considerably influence the statute of limitations and procedural necessities for submitting go well with. Claims towards governmental entities are topic to particular discover necessities and shorter statutes of limitations than claims towards personal events. This distinction displays the general public curiosity in defending authorities assets and making certain environment friendly decision of disputes involving public entities. The Texas Tort Claims Act governs claims towards the state and its subdivisions, establishing particular procedures and limitations that differ considerably from normal property harm claims. Understanding these distinctive facets is essential for anybody contemplating authorized motion towards a governmental entity for property harm.

One key distinction lies within the discover requirement. Earlier than submitting go well with towards a Texas governmental unit, a claimant should present formal discover of the declare inside a particular timeframe, typically a lot shorter than the final statute of limitations for property harm. Failure to offer well timed and correct discover can bar the declare, no matter its deserves. For instance, if a metropolis car damages personal property, the property proprietor should notify town inside a specified interval, usually six months, outlining the small print of the incident and the damages. This requirement permits the federal government entity to research the declare, probably resolve it with out litigation, and protect related proof. The precise discover necessities fluctuate relying on the governmental entity concerned, highlighting the necessity for cautious analysis and adherence to the relevant rules.

Statutes of limitations for claims towards governmental entities are additionally typically shorter than the usual two-year timeframe for property harm. The Texas Tort Claims Act, for instance, imposes particular limitations, probably as brief as six months for sure claims. This compressed timeframe emphasizes the necessity for immediate motion when pursuing property harm claims towards authorities entities. Moreover, the obtainable cures and recoverable damages might differ in claims towards governmental models. Sovereign immunity, a authorized doctrine defending authorities entities from sure lawsuits, can restrict the varieties of damages recoverable, even in profitable claims. Navigating these complexities requires cautious consideration of the precise governmental entity concerned, the relevant discover necessities, and the considerably shorter statutes of limitations. Authorized counsel specializing in claims towards governmental models is essential for successfully navigating these distinctive authorized challenges and making certain compliance with the precise procedures and limitations governing such claims.

8. Particular Statutory Exceptions

Texas legislation carves out particular exceptions to the final statute of limitations for property harm claims, creating nuanced situations that require cautious consideration. These exceptions, typically embedded inside particular statutes addressing explicit actions or circumstances, can considerably influence the timeframe for submitting go well with and the obtainable authorized cures. Understanding these exceptions is essential for precisely assessing the relevant deadlines and pursuing well timed authorized motion.

  • Enhancements to Actual Property

    The statute of limitations for claims associated to development or enhancements to actual property differs from normal property harm claims. Texas legislation offers a particular statute of limitations for claims towards architects, engineers, and contractors arising from faulty or poor work on actual property enhancements. This timeframe, typically longer than the final statute of limitations, acknowledges the complicated nature of development tasks and the potential for latent defects to emerge over time. Claims associated to development defects might need a distinct limitations interval than these involving harm attributable to routine negligence. Understanding these distinctions is essential for owners and property house owners pursuing claims associated to development or renovation work.

  • Claims Involving Environmental Contamination

    Environmental contamination instances typically contain particular statutory exceptions to plain property harm limitations. Texas legislation addresses claims associated to environmental harm, imposing particular necessities and timelines that differ from normal property harm situations. As an example, claims associated to hazardous waste contamination would possibly fall underneath a distinct statute of limitations and contain particular regulatory procedures. These specialised guidelines replicate the complicated nature of environmental remediation and the possibly long-term results of contamination.

  • Claims towards Frequent Carriers

    Property harm claims towards frequent carriers, akin to trucking corporations or railroads, would possibly fall underneath particular statutes impacting the constraints interval. These specialised rules deal with transportation-related harm and sometimes contain distinct timelines and procedures in comparison with normal property harm claims. The timeframe for submitting a declare towards a trucking firm for cargo harm, as an illustration, would possibly differ from the usual statute of limitations attributable to particular transportation rules.

  • Claims Associated to Misleading Commerce Practices

    Property harm arising from misleading commerce practices falls underneath the Texas Misleading Commerce Practices Act (DTPA). This act offers a particular statute of limitations and provides distinctive cures for shoppers harmed by misleading enterprise practices, together with property harm ensuing from misrepresentations or defective merchandise. A house owner buying a faulty equipment that subsequently causes property harm, for instance, might need a declare underneath the DTPA with its particular statute of limitations and obtainable cures. These provisions provide extra shopper protections past normal property harm claims.

The existence of particular statutory exceptions underscores the complexity of property harm statute of limitations points in Texas. These exceptions spotlight the necessity for cautious examination of the precise circumstances surrounding the property harm, contemplating the character of the declare, the concerned events, and any probably relevant specialised statutes. Consulting with an lawyer specializing in property harm claims is important to navigate these nuanced authorized issues and guarantee compliance with the suitable statute of limitations and procedural necessities.

Steadily Requested Questions

This FAQ part addresses frequent inquiries concerning the statute of limitations for property harm claims in Texas. Understanding these regularly raised factors can present readability and information acceptable motion in potential property harm conditions.

Query 1: What’s the normal timeframe for submitting a property harm declare in Texas?

The final statute of limitations for property harm claims in Texas is 2 years from the date the harm occurred or was moderately discoverable.

Query 2: How does the invention rule have an effect on the statute of limitations?

The invention rule delays the beginning of the constraints interval till the harm in all fairness discoverable. If harm is hidden or not instantly obvious, the two-year clock begins when the harm may have been moderately found by way of due diligence.

Query 3: Does fraudulent concealment influence the timeframe for authorized motion?

Sure, if a celebration fraudulently conceals property harm, the statute of limitations is tolled till the harm is found or moderately ought to have been found, regardless of the misleading practices.

Query 4: What’s the statute of limitations for property harm claims stemming from a breach of a written contract?

Breach of contract claims associated to property harm, primarily based on a written contract, usually have a four-year statute of limitations in Texas.

Query 5: Are claims towards authorities entities topic to totally different guidelines?

Sure, claims towards governmental entities in Texas have particular discover necessities and sometimes shorter statutes of limitations, typically as brief as six months. Adherence to those particular procedures is essential.

Query 6: The place can one discover definitive data concerning particular conditions and exceptions?

Consulting with an skilled lawyer specializing in property harm claims in Texas is strongly advisable to investigate particular circumstances and guarantee adherence to all relevant legal guidelines and deadlines.

Cautious consideration to those regularly requested questions offers a foundational understanding of the statute of limitations for property harm claims in Texas. Nevertheless, given the complexities and potential exceptions, looking for skilled authorized recommendation is all the time advisable for particular conditions.

The next part will present sensible steering for these contemplating authorized motion for property harm in Texas.

Sensible Suggestions for Navigating Property Harm Claims in Texas

Navigating property harm claims in Texas requires a proactive and knowledgeable strategy. The next suggestions provide sensible steering for people dealing with potential authorized motion associated to property harm, emphasizing the significance of well timed motion and adherence to authorized necessities.

Tip 1: Doc All the pieces Totally

Detailed documentation is essential. Pictures, movies, and written descriptions of the harm ought to be compiled instantly. Protect all communication, together with emails, letters, and textual content messages, associated to the incident and subsequent interactions with concerned events. Thorough documentation strengthens authorized claims and offers important proof.

Tip 2: Determine All Accountable Events

Clearly determine all probably accountable events. This may increasingly embody people, companies, contractors, and even governmental entities. Correct identification is important for guiding authorized motion appropriately and making certain all accountable events are held accountable.

Tip 3: Search Skilled Authorized Counsel Promptly

Consulting with an lawyer specializing in property harm claims in Texas is essential. Authorized counsel offers professional steering on relevant statutes of limitations, discover necessities, and potential authorized methods. Early session ensures well timed motion and protects authorized rights.

Tip 4: Perceive the Particular Statute of Limitations

Several types of property harm claims have various statutes of limitations. Claims arising from negligence, breach of contract, or particular statutory exceptions have distinct deadlines. Understanding the relevant timeframe is crucial for well timed submitting of authorized motion.

Tip 5: Take into account the Discovery Rule and Fraudulent Concealment

If the harm wasn’t instantly obvious or was hid by one other occasion, the invention rule or fraudulent concealment doctrine would possibly prolong the statute of limitations. Exploring these potentialities with authorized counsel is essential for safeguarding potential claims.

Tip 6: Adjust to Discover Necessities for Authorities Claims

Claims towards authorities entities require strict adherence to particular discover procedures and sometimes shorter statutes of limitations. Failing to adjust to these necessities can bar in any other case legitimate claims, emphasizing the significance of immediate motion and authorized steering.

Tip 7: Protect Proof and Safe Skilled Opinions

Protect all bodily proof associated to the property harm. Skilled opinions from engineers, contractors, or different specialists can strengthen authorized claims and supply essential assist for establishing the trigger and extent of the harm.

Following these sensible suggestions improves the chance of a profitable end result in property harm claims. Well timed motion, thorough documentation, and professional authorized recommendation are important for navigating the authorized complexities and defending one’s rights and pursuits.

The next conclusion summarizes key takeaways and reinforces the significance of understanding property harm statute of limitations rules in Texas.

Conclusion

Navigating property harm claims in Texas requires a nuanced understanding of relevant statutes of limitations. Timeframes for authorized motion fluctuate relying on elements akin to the character of the harm, the accountable events, and the presence of written contracts. The invention rule, fraudulent concealment, and particular statutory exceptions additional complicate these timelines, creating situations the place exceptions to the final two-year statute of limitations might apply. Claims towards governmental entities in Texas are topic to distinctive discover necessities and sometimes shorter statutes of limitations, demanding immediate motion and adherence to particular procedures. Understanding these complexities is essential for safeguarding authorized rights and pursuing well timed cures.

Well timed authorized counsel is important for navigating the intricate panorama of property harm claims in Texas. Skilled steering ensures correct evaluation of relevant statutes of limitations, adherence to procedural necessities, and growth of efficient authorized methods. Diligent documentation, preservation of proof, and identification of all accountable events strengthen claims and contribute to profitable outcomes. Cautious consideration to those authorized rules empowers property house owners to guard their pursuits and pursue simply compensation for damages whereas adhering to the precise necessities governing authorized motion in Texas.