All states › Texas
Texas security deposit law
Short answer: A Texas landlord has 30 days after the tenant moves out to refund the deposit or send an itemized list of deductions. The landlord doesn't have to do either until the tenant gives a written forwarding address. Texas has no limit on how much a landlord can charge.
| Deadline to return the deposit | 30 days after the tenant moves out. The landlord isn't required to refund or send the list until the tenant gives a written forwarding address. |
|---|---|
| Limit on how much a landlord can charge | No limit in state law. |
| Itemized list of deductions | Yes. If anything is kept, the landlord must send a written description and itemized list of every deduction. The one exception: the tenant owes rent and there's no dispute over how much. |
| Interest on the deposit | Not required by state law. |
| Penalty if the landlord breaks the rules | A landlord who keeps a deposit in bad faith owes $100, plus three times the amount wrongly kept, plus the tenant's attorney's fees. Missing the 30-day deadline is presumed to be bad faith. A landlord who skips the itemized list in bad faith loses the right to keep any of the deposit. |
| What the tenant has to do | Give the landlord a written forwarding address. Don't skip the last month's rent and tell the landlord to keep the deposit instead: a tenant who does that in bad faith can owe three times the rent held back, plus attorney's fees. |
| The law | Texas Property Code, Chapter 92, Subchapter C (Sections 92.101 to 92.113) |
Official law: Texas Property Code, Chapter 92, Subchapter C (Sections 92.101 to 92.113). Checked against the statute on 2026-11-04.
Good to know
- Normal wear and tear can't be deducted.
- A refund or itemized list counts as on time if it's mailed with a postmark on or before the deadline.
- Since September 1, 2025, notices can go by email if the landlord and tenant have already been emailing each other.
- A lease rule that the tenant must give advance notice of moving out, as a condition of getting the deposit back, only counts if it's underlined or in bold in the lease.
- If the property is sold, the new owner becomes responsible for returning the deposit.
Tips for landlords
- Do a written move-in inspection and have the tenant sign it. Take dated photos of every room, including inside appliances and closets.
- Collect the tenant's forwarding address in writing at move-out.
- Put the itemized list and the refund in the mail well before the deadline, and keep proof of mailing.
- Normal wear and tear (faded paint, light carpet wear, small nail holes) usually can't be charged. Damage beyond that can.
Tips for tenants
- Take your own dated photos and video on move-in day and move-out day.
- Give your landlord your forwarding address in writing, and keep a copy.
- If the deadline passes, send a written demand letter that cites the law above before going to small claims court.
Common questions
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Texas?
30 days after the tenant moves out. The landlord isn't required to refund or send the list until the tenant gives a written forwarding address.
Is there a limit on security deposits in Texas?
No limit in state law.
Does a landlord in Texas have to itemize deductions?
Yes. If anything is kept, the landlord must send a written description and itemized list of every deduction. The one exception: the tenant owes rent and there's no dispute over how much.