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Texas Security Deposit Limits
Maximum deposit: No statutory limit. Landlords can charge any amount.
Statute: Tex. Prop. Code §§ 92.101–92.115
Full text: Read the law
Return Deadline & Requirements
Landlord must return the deposit within 30 days after the tenant moves out AND provides a forwarding address. The refund obligation doesn't start until the tenant gives a forwarding address.
Itemized Statement Required: Landlord must provide a written description and itemized list of deductions if withholding any portion of the deposit.
Move-Out Inspection
No statutory right to a pre-move-out inspection.
Allowed & Prohibited Deductions
What Landlords CAN Deduct
- Unpaid rent
- Damages beyond normal wear and tear
- Breach of lease charges
- Costs for cleaning beyond what's needed for normal wear
- Early termination fees if specified in lease
What Landlords CANNOT Deduct
- Normal wear and tear
- Conditions present at move-in
Penalties for Violations
Landlord Penalties: If landlord acts in bad faith, tenant may recover 3x the wrongfully withheld amount plus $100 in statutory damages plus attorney's fees.
Where to file: Justice Court (Small Claims) up to $20,000
Interest Requirements
Texas does not require landlords to pay interest on security deposits.
How to Get Your Texas Security Deposit Back
If your landlord is withholding your deposit wrongfully, here's what to do:
- Document everything at move-out — Take photos and video of the unit's condition. Do a walkthrough if your state allows it.
- Provide your forwarding address in writing — Many states don't start the return clock until you provide this.
- Wait for the deadline to pass — Give your landlord the full 30 days required by law.
- Send a demand letter — If the deadline passes without your deposit, send a formal demand letter citing Tex. Prop. Code §§ 92.101–92.115.
- File in court — If the demand letter doesn't work, file in Justice Court (Small Claims) up to $20,000. You may recover additional penalties.
Get Your Security Deposit Back
Create a free demand letter for your Texas security deposit dispute. Cites TX law automatically.
Create Free Demand LetterFrequently Asked Questions
How long does a Texas landlord have to return a security deposit?
30 days after the tenant moves out and provides a forwarding address in writing. The clock doesn't start until the forwarding address is provided.
Is there a limit on security deposits in Texas?
No. Texas has no statutory limit on how much a landlord can charge for a security deposit. However, market standards are typically 1-2 months' rent.
What happens if a Texas landlord keeps my deposit in bad faith?
You can sue for 3x the amount wrongfully withheld, plus $100 in statutory damages, plus reasonable attorney's fees. This makes bad faith retention very costly for landlords.
Do I have to give my Texas landlord a forwarding address?
Yes. Under Texas law, the landlord's obligation to return the deposit doesn't begin until you provide a forwarding address. Always provide it in writing when you move out.
More Resources: All State Guides | Security Deposit Demand Letter Guide | Demand Letter Templates