Texas Security Deposit Law
Return deadline, statute, and penalties for Texas renters.
Return deadline
30 days
Penalty for late or wrongful withholding
$100 plus 3× the amount wrongfully withheld, plus attorney fees (bad faith)
The tenant must give the landlord a written forwarding address before the deadline applies.
Governing statute
Tex. Prop. Code §§ 92.103, 92.109
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Check my Texas deadlineTexas security deposit questions
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Texas?
Under Tex. Prop. Code §§ 92.103, 92.109, a Texas landlord generally has 30 days to return the deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions.
What happens if a Texas landlord returns the deposit late?
$100 plus 3× the amount wrongfully withheld, plus attorney fees (bad faith). Courts usually decide whether a penalty applies, and many states require showing the landlord acted in bad faith. The tenant must give the landlord a written forwarding address before the deadline applies.
Can a Texas landlord deduct from my deposit?
Landlords can generally deduct for unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, and must explain deductions in writing.
How do I demand my security deposit back in Texas?
Send your landlord a written demand letter that cites Tex. Prop. Code §§ 92.103, 92.109, states the amount owed, and sets a deadline to pay. Send it by certified mail and keep a copy. If the landlord doesn't pay, the letter is useful evidence in small claims court.
Last reviewed October 21, 2026. Read the official text of Tex. Prop. Code §§ 92.103, 92.109. This page is general information, not legal advice. See our terms of use.