Corpus Christi Housing Authority v. Lara
The Corpus Christi Housing Authority appealed the dismissal of its forcible detainer action against tenant Maria Lara. Lara's lease was terminated due to alleged criminal activity, and the housing authority obtained an eviction judgment from a justice court. The county court, however, dismissed the case, finding the housing authority's termination notice defective under federal regulations. On appeal, the housing authority contended the notice was adequate or that Lara had actual knowledge of the lease termination. The appellate court determined that while the notice was indeed defective, such deficiencies were not jurisdictional and the trial court erred by dismissing the action rather than abating it for proper notice. The case was reversed and remanded with instructions to abate the underlying action until sufficient notice is provided.