Harris County’s eviction court has experienced a significant reduction in default judgments, thanks to a diversion program funded by a grant from the National Center for State Courts (NCSC). The initiative, carried out in Judge Steven Duble’s court, aims to assist tenants in facing eviction. As of November 30, 2024, the court has seen a 44% decrease in default judgments, where landlords win by default because tenants fail to appear in court.
The program employs an eviction coordinator to connect tenants with necessary resources before their court hearings. Judge Duble has observed a positive impact, noting a reduction in cases decided by default. Previously, landlords won nearly a third of all cases in his court this way. Over the last year, this figure dropped to 19%.
The Texas Supreme Court has expressed concern about high default rates, stating that they can erode public confidence in the justice system. Judge Duble emphasized that default judgments are not just a local problem. According to the NCSC, around 50% of eviction cases in the U.S. end in default.
One of the program’s beneficiaries is Tecorya Davis. She experienced financial difficulties after suffering a concussion and quitting her job with Ventex, a subcontractor for telecommunications company Xfinity. Unpaid rent led to an eviction notice at her apartment in Braeswood. Despite feeling embarrassed by her situation, Davis found help through the program.
Loreta Kovacic, the eviction coordinator for Judge Duble’s court, contacted Davis before her hearing, urging her to attend. Initially apprehensive, Davis showed up to court on October 29, owing over $1,600 in back rent. With the help of Lone Star Legal Aid attorney Evan Wright, Davis was able to seek mediation with her landlord through a volunteer facilitator, Fred Kransy. This agreement provided her time to arrange her finances and aim to pay the rent.
Davis secured rental assistance from the Texas Veterans Commission, which agreed to cover up to $3,000 of her rent. Without the court’s intervention, Davis would have faced immediate payment obligations. The program’s approach places the burden on the system rather than the tenant, which removes the complexity of seeking aid from multiple sources.
Assistant community manager for Davis’ apartment complex, Rubi Ayala-Mercado, later contacted the court to request dismissal of the case after Davis paid her outstanding rent. Judge Duble approved the dismissal.
Davis is optimistic about her future. She is set to start a new job as a warehouse production supervisor and plans to launch a nonprofit organization, Beast Mutt Rescue Academy. The academy will aim to teach children boxing fundamentals alongside mental strength.